Kyiv, Ukraine – May 31, 2025 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has today sharply criticised Moscow, alleging that Russia is actively doing “everything it can” to undermine and derail any genuine attempts at establishing peace talks. The accusation comes amidst ongoing conflict and just ahead of a crucial global peace summit planned for Switzerland.
Speaking from Kyiv, President Zelenskyy expressed profound frustration with Russia’s posture, stating that their actions consistently demonstrate a lack of sincere commitment to a peaceful resolution. He highlighted that Moscow’s current behaviour, characterised by continued military aggression and a refusal to engage constructively, directly contradicts the principles necessary for meaningful negotiations. “They are doing everything they can to prevent this summit,” Zelenskyy asserted, referring to the upcoming international gathering.
The Ukrainian leader’s remarks reinforce a long-standing point of contention between Kyiv and Moscow. Ukraine has repeatedly called for a comprehensive peace plan based on its sovereignty and territorial integrity, principles that Russia has thus far shown little willingness to fully accept. The Kremlin, for its part, consistently maintains that Ukraine must acknowledge “new realities on the ground” – a reference to its territorial gains – before any substantive talks can occur.
The upcoming peace summit, to be held in Switzerland in mid-June, is a cornerstone of Kyiv’s diplomatic strategy. It aims to rally international support for Ukraine’s vision of peace and to pressure Russia into accepting a framework for de-escalation and eventual resolution. Whilst many international leaders have confirmed their attendance, Russia has not been invited, with Kyiv arguing that Moscow has shown no genuine interest in peace talks on Ukrainian terms.
Zelenskyy’s accusation today underscores the fundamental distrust that plagues any potential path to negotiations. He implied that Russia’s objective is not a cessation of hostilities but rather to consolidate its military positions and to fragment international consensus. This strategic distrust makes the prospect of direct, fruitful talks incredibly challenging, even as Ukraine’s allies continue to push for diplomatic solutions.
The ongoing conflict continues to have devastating human and economic costs, not just for Ukraine but globally. The international community largely supports the notion of a peaceful resolution, but the deep chasm between Kyiv’s demands and Moscow’s conditions remains seemingly unbridgeable. Zelenskyy’s latest comments serve as a clear message to the world that Ukraine views Russia as an obstacle, not a partner, in the immediate pursuit of peace.
As the Swiss summit approaches, Zelenskyy’s words will undoubtedly resonate amongst the participating nations, shaping the tone and direction of the discussions aimed at finding a way forward in this brutal conflict. The challenge will be to forge a path to peace when one of the primary belligerents is accused of actively sabotaging the very efforts to achieve it.
newshub finance
Recent Comments