Russia has issued fresh condemnation of attempts by European nations and Ukraine to modify a United States proposal aimed at ending the ongoing war, claiming such changes risk prolonging the conflict. The criticism comes as negotiators for former US President Donald Trump engage in discussions with a Russian envoy in Miami, suggesting a potential breakthrough might be near.
Kremlin's Stance on Proposed Amendments
On Sunday, Vladimir Putin's senior foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, told reporters that the amendments being suggested did not improve the prospects for a lasting peace. "I am sure that the proposals that the Europeans and Ukrainians have made or are trying to make definitely do not improve the document and do not improve the possibility of achieving long-term peace," Ushakov stated. He clarified that his remarks were based on general knowledge of the efforts, as he had not seen the precise proposals, and described his criticism as "not a forecast".
This renewed verbal assault follows a pattern of belligerent rhetoric from Moscow. Last week, President Putin labelled European leaders "little pigs" and asserted Russia would achieve its objectives through diplomacy or by force. Furthermore, a Reuters report, citing six sources familiar with US intelligence, indicates that American analysts believe Putin remains intent on capturing all of Ukraine and reclaiming territories in Europe that were part of the former Soviet Union.
Diplomatic Moves and Battlefield Realities
Despite the Kremlin's harsh words, diplomatic channels appear active. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, leading negotiators for Donald Trump, are holding talks with Russia's envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, in Miami. Dmitriev described Saturday's discussions as "constructive," with talks set to continue. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated he might join the negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said diplomatic efforts were advancing "quite quickly," confirming his negotiators in Florida had been working with the American side. Zelenskyy expressed support for a US proposal of three-way talks involving Washington and Moscow, provided they facilitate prisoner exchanges and meet other conditions. However, Ushakov downplayed this, stating such a format had not been seriously discussed.
On the ground, the conflict continues unabated. Ukraine's joint task force reported its forces were battling an attempted Russian breakthrough in the village of Grabovske in the north-eastern Sumy region. The task force disputed claims that Russian troops had occupied the nearby village of Ryasne. In a concerning development, Ukraine's rights ombudsman stated that Russian forces had forcibly moved about 50 people from Grabovske to Russia.
International Reactions and Military Strikes
The European Union has taken significant steps to bolster Ukraine's position, with leaders agreeing on Friday to supply €90 billion to shore up Ukraine's economy and military campaign. This commitment comes in the run-up to the fourth anniversary of Moscow's full-scale invasion in 2022. In response to this show of support, Putin extended an apparent olive branch, expressing openness to talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. France welcomed the gesture, stating, "As soon as the prospect of a ceasefire and peace negotiations becomes clearer, it becomes useful again to speak with Putin."
Meanwhile, Ukraine demonstrated its ability to strike deep into Russian territory. The Ukrainian military general staff announced that on Saturday, Ukrainian drones hit an oil rig and other facilities at Russia's Filanovsky field in the Caspian Sea. The target is located more than 700km (435 miles) from Ukraine's nearest border, marking a significant long-range capability.
The human cost of the war remains starkly visible. In the town of Druzhkivka on Sunday, a woman was photographed clearing debris from a path following a Russian shelling of a residential area, a poignant reminder of the daily reality for civilians caught in the conflict.
