Kremlin Says Zelensky Responsible for Stalled Peace Talks, Backs Trump’s Remarks

The Kremlin said on Thursday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is responsible for the failure to reach a possible peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine, adding that Russia agrees with remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump on the issue.

European countries have consistently argued that Moscow lacks genuine interest in ending the war and is instead seeking to hold as much territory as possible while trying to evade Western sanctions. However, Trump’s assessment, expressed in an interview, runs counter to the position of Washington’s European allies.

Speaking in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump said of Russian President Vladimir Putin, “I think he’s ready to make a deal. I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal.”

When asked why the largest land war in Europe since World War II has not yet been resolved through U.S.-led negotiations, Trump replied, “Zelensky.”

Asked to comment, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters he agreed with Trump’s view. “I agree, that is indeed the reality,” Peskov said. “President Putin and the Russian side remain open to negotiations. Russia’s position is well known. It is well known to U.S. negotiators, to President Trump, and to the leadership of the Kyiv regime.”

Russia currently controls nearly one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory, including the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014.

Moscow is demanding that Kyiv withdraw its forces from parts of the Donetsk region that Russia does not yet control, despite claiming those territories as its own. Ukraine has rejected the idea of “gifting” territory to Russia and instead wants a ceasefire along the current front lines. The United States has proposed the creation of a free economic zone if Ukrainian forces withdraw.

In recent weeks, U.S.-led negotiations have focused primarily on security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a post-war settlement. However, some European officials have warned that Putin may be highly reluctant to accept certain conditions.

Last month, Russia accused Ukraine of attempting to attack one of Putin’s residences, a claim Kyiv dismissed as false. The incident further slowed progress in the talks.

Peskov also said Moscow would be ready to welcome Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner to the Kremlin once dates are set for their proposed visits to discuss Ukraine further.