The Kremlin has expressed strong approval of Donald Trump's latest national security strategy, describing it as a welcome shift that largely mirrors Russia's own vision. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Sunday that the adjustments seen in the White House document correspond in many ways to Russia's perspective, particularly its emphasis on dialogue and building good relations. However, Peskov warned that the US 'deep state' might attempt to undermine Trump's approach.
The strategy, released on Friday, criticises the European Union and warns of Europe's risk of 'civilisational erasure', while signalling a US desire for improved ties with Russia. This comes as the White House intensifies efforts to broker a peace deal in Ukraine, with US officials claiming to be in the final stages of negotiations. Yet, there is little indication that either Ukraine or Russia is prepared to accept the framework proposed by Trump's team.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in London on Monday. Zelenskyy has previously sought European support when the US pushed for territorial concessions. A key sticking point remains the security guarantees Ukraine would receive if it agrees to relinquish control over some territory.
Zelenskyy reported a 'substantive phone call' with US officials on Saturday evening, following three days of talks in Florida between US and Ukrainian delegations. Those discussions came after Trump's envoys visited Moscow earlier in the week. A source described the call as 'difficult' and lasting two hours. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine remains committed to working in good faith with the US to achieve peace and end the bloodshed.
However, it remains unclear whether the US or Europe are willing to provide security guarantees strong enough to deter a future Russian invasion, or if Vladimir Putin would accept any deal involving Western troops in Ukraine. US officials have repeatedly claimed progress towards a sustainable deal since Trump's second term began, only for those claims to prove premature.
Trump's outgoing Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, said at a defence forum on Saturday that the administration is in the 'last 10 metres' of its efforts, with territory and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant as outstanding issues. Meanwhile, Trump's son, Donald Jr, accused Zelenskyy of prolonging the conflict to retain power, stating the US will no longer be 'the idiot with the chequebook'. Analysts in Kyiv warn of a difficult winter ahead as Russia targets energy infrastructure, while Zelenskyy faces a corruption scandal that has weakened his position.
