Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Stalling Peace Talks by Manipulating U.S. Diplomacy
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia on Tuesday of deliberately stalling peace negotiations by attempting to manipulate U.S. diplomacy, specifically targeting efforts involving former President Donald Trump. In an exclusive interview with Fox News, Zelenskyy emphasized that while Ukraine remains committed to peace and is prepared to freeze the conflict along current front lines, it will not surrender any territory that Russia has not already seized.
“We always supported peace,” Zelenskyy said. “When you are at your home, in your house, on your territory, in your city, of course you want to stop it.” He pushed back against assertions from Trump suggesting that Ukraine was the party slowing progress, instead pointing the finger at Moscow. “They try to play with the president of the United States,” Zelenskyy stated, referring to Russia’s alleged attempts to use diplomatic channels to delay meaningful concessions.
When asked if Russian President Vladimir Putin was engaging in a strategic game to postpone negotiations, Zelenskyy responded affirmatively: “Yeah, I think so. Yeah. He needs to postpone any kind of negotiations.” This comes as the war between the two countries enters its fifth year, with international mediators, including U.S. envoys, striving to broker a ceasefire.
Zelenskyy’s comments underscore the fragile nature of ongoing talks ahead of high-stakes Geneva discussions involving Russia and representatives connected to former U.S. leadership. The Ukrainian president’s stance aligns with statements from the U.S. Department of State, which continues to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the conflict.
Despite the protracted conflict, Ukraine’s readiness to freeze hostilities along the current battle lines signals a pragmatic approach to ending violence without compromising on national sovereignty. This position contrasts with Russia’s demands and territorial claims, which Kyiv refuses to recognize.
The situation remains tense as international observers monitor the diplomatic efforts closely. The United Nations continues to advocate for peaceful resolution and respect for international law, while the North Atlantic Treaty Organization maintains support for Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
As the world watches, Zelenskyy’s remarks highlight the complexity of the peace process, where geopolitical maneuvering and domestic politics intersect. His accusation that Russia is leveraging its relationship with Trump to delay talks adds a new dimension to the diplomatic chessboard, complicating efforts to bring the conflict to a close.
For now, Ukraine’s position is clear: a ceasefire is welcome, but only on terms that respect the country’s territorial boundaries as they stand today, rejecting any forced concessions. The coming Geneva talks will test whether these conditions can be met or if the war will continue to drag on amid stalled negotiations.
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