(KYIV) – The Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of deliberately sabotaging peace efforts, claiming Kyiv is not genuinely interested in negotiations despite public statements to the contrary.
Speaking at a meeting of Russia’s Military-Industrial Commission, Putin alleged that Ukrainian leadership “talks about peace” while committing acts that ensure no negotiations can take place. He cited the recent killing of Yelena Astanina, a local election official in the Zaporizhzhia region, as evidence of Kyiv’s supposed intentions.
“Representatives of the Kyiv regime, the leadership in Kyiv, talk about peace and propose resuming the purported negotiations, but they themselves commit similar crimes and do everything to ensure that there is no peace and no negotiations,” Putin said.
The Russian dictator further asserted that since Russia “cannot be intimidated,” Ukraine’s only possible motive is an unwillingness to negotiate.
Putin’s remarks come as Kyiv is reportedly preparing for a possible new round of trilateral talks with Russia and the United States in October. President’s Office chief Kyrylo Budanov confirmed the preparations earlier this month following visits to Moscow and Kyiv by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Ukrainian officials have consistently stated their willingness to pursue diplomatic solutions, including leadership-level negotiations and potential ceasefire arrangements. However, Moscow and Kyiv remain fundamentally divided over Russia’s territorial demands in eastern Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has welcomed the U.S. House of Representatives’ approval of the Graham sanctions bill, describing it as a “powerful tool” to pressure Russia toward peace. The legislation, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, provides for sanctions against Russian officials, banks, and the “shadow fleet” of tankers transporting Russian energy resources, and authorises tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest importers of Russian oil and natural gas.
“The best way to honour Lindsey’s memory will be to implement the provisions of this law fully and swiftly,” Zelenskyy said, expressing gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for signing the legislation.
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