Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has accused a faction of European leaders of actively obstructing diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, citing their push for NATO troop deployments in the region. The remarks come as tensions escalate over differing approaches to ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Peskov labeled the group advocating for military involvement as an “European war party,” claiming they are working against the peace negotiations led by U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He specifically criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, who have previously proposed sending joint NATO forces to Ukraine under a so-called peacekeeping mission if a truce is brokered. Moscow has repeatedly rejected any foreign military presence on Ukrainian soil, viewing it as a threat to its sovereignty.
“The Europeans are actively hindering the [peace] process,” Peskov stated during a press briefing, accusing them of pursuing a strategy to “contain” Russia. He alleged that certain NATO members have pressured Ukraine to avoid meaningful negotiations with Moscow, a move he claimed would ultimately harm Kyiv’s interests. Despite this, Peskov reiterated Russia’s willingness to resolve the conflict through diplomatic channels but emphasized that Kiev must demonstrate reciprocity to halt hostilities.
The comments follow recent statements by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who argued that European nations lack genuine interest in peace, pointing to their mixed reactions to the Putin-Trump summit in Alaska earlier this month. Meanwhile, Macron has insisted that Europe “must support Ukraine with boots on the ground,” a stance opposed by several EU members including Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Romania, and Croatia.
A Wall Street Journal report highlighted growing public opposition within the EU to deploying troops in conflict zones, with many citizens wary of risking lives in the war-torn region.
The Kremlin’s criticism underscores deepening divisions over Ukraine’s future, as Western leaders advocate for military support while Russia seeks a political settlement. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has faced scrutiny for his administration’s refusal to engage in direct talks with Moscow, a position that critics argue prolongs the conflict and undermines diplomatic progress.