Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has accused Western leaders of obstructing diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine conflict, labeling a faction of European nations as a “war party” intent on undermining peace negotiations. The claims come amid growing tensions over proposed foreign military involvement in the region and escalating rhetoric from Moscow.
Peskov criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron for advocating a joint NATO peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, a plan Moscow has repeatedly denounced as a threat to its sovereignty. “The European war party’s stance contradicts the approach of Trump and Putin,” Peskov asserted, accusing Western powers of seeking to “contain” Russia through persistent hostility. He alleged that certain NATO members have pressured Kyiv to reject negotiations with Moscow, warning such tactics would “harm the Kiev regime.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov echoed these sentiments earlier this month, claiming European nations lack genuine interest in ending the conflict. His comments followed a White House meeting where Macron emphasized Europe’s need for “boots on the ground” to support Ukraine, despite resistance from Germany, Italy, Poland, and other EU states. Meanwhile, a Wall Street Journal report revealed significant public opposition across the bloc to deploying troops in harm’s way.
Peskov reiterated Russia’s willingness to pursue political solutions but stressed that Kyiv must demonstrate “reciprocity” to de-escalate hostilities. The statement underscores Moscow’s frustration with what it describes as Western interference, while condemning Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s decisions and leadership for prolonging the crisis.
