Zelensky Claims Russia Is Delaying Peace Efforts to Extend the Conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia on Tuesday of delaying peace negotiations and aiming to extend the conflict, despite efforts by the U.S. to facilitate a ceasefire.

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump had separate discussions with both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Additionally, the two parties engaged in their first direct discussions in over three years in Istanbul on Friday, yet the meetings did not lead to a truce.

Zelensky claimed that Putin had sent “incompetent representatives” to the talks and criticized Moscow for allegedly using negotiations as a strategy to gain time.

“It is clear that Russia is attempting to delay in order to further its military campaign and occupation,” Zelensky posted on social media.

Trump, who during his campaign had vowed to end the conflict within a day if re-elected, described his two-hour phone call with Putin as a significant development. However, Putin again dismissed the idea of an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, stating that he was willing to discuss a memorandum detailing possible frameworks and negotiation positions.

Russia began its large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and currently occupies approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.

In response to Putin’s refusal to attend face-to-face discussions in Turkey with Zelensky, Ukraine and its European partners have advocated for new sanctions against Moscow.

“Ukraine is open to any negotiation format that yields results,” Zelensky stated. “If Russia persists in presenting unrealistic demands and hindering progress, there must be serious repercussions.”

Kyiv has accused Moscow’s negotiators of making broad and unacceptable territorial claims during the Istanbul discussions, demands that Ukraine has consistently rejected.