New Russian strikes have cast doubt on attempts by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to revive diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. After American negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff arrived in Kyiv, Russia again used missiles and drones. The attacks killed five people.
The situation was further complicated by a Russian drone that violated the airspace of Moldova. Because of this, the departure of the plane on which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was traveling to Norway was delayed. Ambassador Vladyslav Kulminskyi said the drone incursion was not accidental.
“This was not accidental.”
As CNN writes, the key disagreements between Kyiv and Moscow remain unchanged. Russia demands stripping Ukraine of sovereignty and control over eastern territories, but such terms are unacceptable to Zelensky.
Trump has meanwhile told reporters that Russian President Vladimir Putin allegedly seeks to reach a deal. The American president also said that Zelensky‘s willingness to negotiate would be a positive signal.
“Putin wants to make a deal.”
“If the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky wants to make a deal, that would be very good.”
Commenting on the reasons for the delay in talks, Trump explained it as personal animosity between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine.
“The delay is that these two people hate one another.”
European capitals are also worried by hints from Moscow about future economic arrangements with the United States. Sources suggest that the American president may be more interested in Russian resources than in a peace agreement that could be called fair.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there is a chance to reach an agreement in the coming weeks, but a significant amount of work still needs to be done to achieve it.
CNN points to a pattern in Trump‘s diplomatic initiatives: after consultations with Putin, Washington proposes a plan that reflects Russian objectives. When Ukraine resists, the U.S. expresses frustration, and subsequent revised versions of the plan no longer satisfy the Kremlin.
According to the FT, CIA Director Retkliff may play a key role in negotiations between the U.S., Russia and Ukraine.
Previously we wrote:
- Police record Russian attacks that killed four people and injured 19 more
- Retkliff may take over U.S., Russia and Ukraine negotiations from Witkoff
- The U.S. announced “substantial progress” in talks to end the war
- Putin won’t compromise: the Kremlin demands four regions and Ukraine’s renunciation of NATO
- Russian drones attacked a checkpoint in the Odesa region: one drone flew into Moldova
