Russia Says Ukrainian Leadership Is Obstructing Peace Efforts

Russia has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of obstructing efforts to reach a political settlement to the ongoing conflict, claiming that the continuation of the war is linked to his leadership.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that recent diplomatic discussions demonstrated a lack of serious intent from Kyiv to pursue meaningful peace negotiations. His remarks came following talks held in Abu Dhabi, according to Russian media reports.

Lavrov also criticized Western and European countries, accusing them of prolonging the conflict through political and military involvement, including discussions about deploying forces to Ukraine. He reiterated Moscow’s firm opposition to any NATO presence on Ukrainian territory, warning that such forces would be regarded as legitimate military targets.

The statements underscore Russia’s continued hardline position on the war and highlight widening divisions between Moscow and Western nations over paths toward ending the conflict.