News - European influence on Ukraine peace talks criticized by Russia

Russian authorities, including President Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov, have expressed concern that European and Ukrainian attempts to modify US-supported peace proposals for the Ukraine conflict are obstructing the path to a genuine resolution. Ushakov emphasized that the efforts made by Europeans, together with Ukraine, have potentially compromised the integrity and success of achieving lasting peace. This assertion arises amid recent Miami discussions between US and Russian officials, following separate meetings involving US negotiators and Ukrainian and EU representatives. Ushakov criticized the proposed amendments, indicating they failed to enhance the documents or increase the likelihood of establishing enduring peace. Yet, he admitted that his insights are based on media reports rather than firsthand review of the proposals. Furthermore, he denied rumors about three-way negotiations that would include Russia, Ukraine, and the US. Adding to the discourse, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that the involvement of European parties in the peace talks diminishes optimism for a resolution. In parallel, senior Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev, participating in dialogues with US counterparts in Miami, characterized the conversations as ‘constructive,’ with intentions to continue discussions on December 21. Recent engagements also saw US officials consulting in Miami with security leaders from Germany, France, and Britain, alongside Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council secretary, Rustem Umerov. Other international figures, like Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, contributed to the discussions. The leaked US-drafted peace plan, which emerged last month, purportedly calls for Ukraine to concede certain territories in the Donbass region still under Ukrainian control, alongside commitments to abstain from NATO membership and to restrict its military capabilities, in return for Western security assurances. In contrast, Ukraine and its EU partners have categorically refused relinquishing any territorial claims. Russia, maintaining its position, insists any durable resolution must account for Ukrainian neutrality, disarmament, denazification, and acceptance of the current territorial realities.