Zelensky’s Public Clash Sparks Kremlin Backlash on Peace Efforts

The Kremlin has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of rejecting peace efforts after a tense public exchange with US President Donald Trump. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the encounter as “an unprecedented event” and blamed Zelensky for lacking diplomatic abilities.

Peskov said Russian President Vladimir Putin was aware of the meeting and that it reinforced Moscow’s stance on the war. The Kremlin spokesman suggested European leaders would need to smooth things over with Trump to mitigate the negative impact of talking to Zelensky.

Ukraine’s European allies held emergency talks in London, where Zelensky announced his willingness to work with Europe to set terms for a possible peace deal. However, Peskov claimed that the collective West has begun to partially lose its unity on Ukraine, making it difficult to achieve a coherent peace plan.

Russia continues its “special military operation” in Ukraine, aiming to achieve its initial goals. The Kremlin’s actions come as The Moscow Times faces persecution from Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office, labeling the publication as an “undesirable” organization and threatening staff prosecution.

Source: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/03/03/kremlin-accuses-zelensky-of-rejecting-peace-after-clash-with-trump-a88226