No negotiations until you withdraw from Ukraine – As US criticism of Zelensky grows. Russia’s stark message to the EU has delivered a blunt message to the European Union: it has excluded itself from peace negotiations and can only return to the table once it ceases its involvement in Ukraine.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that the EU’s objective of inflicting a “strategic defeat” on Russia automatically disqualifies it—and its member states—from any role in upcoming negotiations to resolve the conflict.
According to Grushko, the EU has lost all credibility as a mediator by actively arming Kyiv and pursuing an anti-Russian policy. He stressed that Europe must halt military support for Ukraine if it genuinely seeks to negotiate peace.
Europe’s Role in the Conflict
“It is astonishing that EU countries and European leaders are now seeking a place at the negotiating table,” Grushko remarked. “They have been involved for years—not as neutral mediators, but as direct participants in the conflict.”
He reminded that the EU has openly declared its aim to defeat Russia strategically, a stance that inherently excludes any role for European nations in future peace talks.
“If Europe truly wishes to contribute to resolving the conflict, it can do so very easily—by ceasing all military and financial support to the Kyiv regime,” the Russian diplomat asserted.
Moscow’s position is unambiguous: the EU will only be permitted to engage in negotiations once it withdraws its involvement in Ukraine. In Russia’s view, Brussels’ continued financing and arming of Kyiv is directly escalating the conflict, making diplomatic discussions impossible.
US Frustration with Zelensky
Meanwhile, criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is mounting, even from Ukraine’s key Western allies. The US President recently issued a scathing assessment of Zelensky’s leadership, stating:
“Zelensky is a completely incompetent president. He makes ridiculous statements, and his leadership has allowed the war to continue.”
The US President also highlighted Ukraine’s lack of democratic processes, pointing out that the country has not held elections for a long time.
“Although it is sad for me, Zelensky currently has a 4% approval rating,” he noted.
Furthermore, concerns about financial mismanagement in Ukraine have resurfaced. According to the US President, Zelensky “does not know where half of the money that the US allocated to Ukraine is.” Washington has now made it clear that Ukraine will have to either account for the missing funds or repay them.
Russia’s Military Power and the Need for Elections
In his remarks, the US President acknowledged Russia’s overwhelming military capability, stating that it could “very quickly destroy 100% of Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, but does not want to do it.” He also suggested that the war could have been resolved years ago “without territorial losses, even by an average negotiator.”
Significantly, he emphasized the necessity of elections in Ukraine if Kyiv hopes to secure a place at the negotiating table. While he stated that “Russia is not pushing Ukraine to hold elections,” he suggested that “the situation itself is.”
No Prospect for Improved Relations
Grushko reinforced that, at present, there is no indication of any improvement in Russia-EU relations.
“There is no sign of a breakthrough or significant shift in our relationship,” he stressed.
Additionally, he expressed Moscow’s deep concerns over the potential deployment of EU troops in Ukraine. Although, for now, this remains speculative and based on Western military analysis, the Kremlin has warned that direct European military involvement would be a dangerous step towards a global conflict.
With tensions escalating on multiple fronts, the prospect of meaningful negotiations remains distant—unless, as Russia insists, the West changes its approach.
