KYIV, Dec 3: Ukraine and its European allies accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of feigning interest in peace after five hours of talks with US envoys at the Kremlin produced no breakthrough.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper urged Putin to “end the bluster and the bloodshed,” while Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on him to stop wasting time.
The comments highlight the persistent tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as well as between Moscow and European nations, over ending a war that began nearly four years ago.
Putin accused Europeans of sabotaging US-led peace efforts and warned that Russia could be ready for war if provoked.
Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov called the talks “positive” but acknowledged no compromise was reached on key issues, particularly the fate of four Ukrainian regions partially occupied by Russia.
Ukraine has rejected any territorial concessions.
European NATO countries remain skeptical of Moscow’s intentions.
Estonian and Finnish foreign ministers said Russia shows no willingness to compromise, while NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized continued military support for Ukraine.
Canada, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands pledged hundreds of millions of dollars to purchase US weapons for Ukraine under the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL).
On the battlefield, Russia continues drone and missile strikes. In Dnipropetrovsk, two civilians were killed and three injured after a drone hit, while Russia claimed it destroyed 102 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Falling debris also caused a fire at an oil depot near Tambov, south of Moscow.
The war of attrition continues, with Europe and the US working to maintain Ukraine’s military capabilities while negotiations remain stalled. (AP)
