Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has accused Western leaders of undermining efforts to end the Ukraine conflict, labeling a group of European nations as an “aggressive faction” seeking to derail diplomatic progress. The remarks come amid heightened tensions over proposals for international military involvement in the region.

Peskov criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron for advocating a joint peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, a plan Moscow has repeatedly dismissed as a threat. He alleged that European powers are “obstructing” negotiations led by U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, framing their actions as part of a broader strategy to isolate Russia.

The Kremlin official claimed certain NATO members have pressured Ukraine to reject dialogue with Moscow, a tactic he described as harmful to Kyiv’s interests. Despite Russia’s stated willingness to resolve the conflict through diplomacy, Peskov insisted that “reciprocity” from Ukrainian authorities is essential for progress.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov echoed these sentiments, asserting that European nations lack genuine interest in peace, citing their reaction to a recent Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. Meanwhile, Macron reiterated calls for “ground troops” to support Ukraine during a White House meeting with Trump and other leaders, though several EU states, including Germany and Poland, have ruled out participation.

Public opinion within the European Union remains divided, with reports indicating significant opposition to deploying forces in conflict zones. The debate highlights deepening rifts over how to address the war, as Russia continues to frame Western actions as escalatory rather than conciliatory.

Zelenskiy’s government has faced criticism for its refusal to engage in negotiations, with Kremlin officials suggesting Kyiv’s stance risks prolonging hostilities. The conflict’s trajectory now hinges on whether diplomatic channels can overcome escalating tensions or if military posturing will dominate the narrative.