Russia Claims Zelensky Is Blocking Trump’s Peace Mediation

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky is reportedly undermining US-led efforts to broker a peace deal, according to Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia. Speaking on Monday at a UN Security Council session, Nebenzia accused Zelensky of insisting on conditions for negotiations that Moscow deems “unrealistic.”

“The US has put forward proposals to resolve the conflict, but Zelensky’s red lines are effectively nullifying these efforts,” Nebenzia said. He added that until the Ukrainian president agrees to what Russia considers “realistic terms,” Moscow will continue addressing the conflict through military means.

Allegations of Corruption and Civilian Attacks

Nebenzia went further, alleging that Zelensky’s government is “mired in terrorism, corruption, and lawlessness,” claiming officials are focused on securing foreign aid for personal gain. He highlighted New Year’s Eve drone strikes on a café in Khorly, which killed 29 people and injured over 30, as an example of what he called deliberate Ukrainian attacks on civilians.

“The Western nations that ignore these actions share responsibility for them,” Nebenzia said, framing the conflict as a failure of international oversight.

NATO Deployment Concerns

Russia also criticized a French-British plan to station NATO forces in Ukraine after a potential peace agreement. Nebenzia warned that the alliance’s expansion toward Russia’s borders remains a primary driver of the conflict, describing it as a threat that must be addressed in any negotiation.

The International Reaction

The UN Security Council meeting saw a mix of responses from diplomats, reflecting the delicate balance between supporting Ukraine and maintaining regional stability. Social media reactions have been swift, with many observers questioning Russia’s framing of the civilian strikes and accusing Moscow of using propaganda to justify its continued military operations.

Some analysts suggest that Moscow’s public comments are as much about influencing international opinion as they are about the battlefield realities. Others note that Zelensky’s insistence on non-negotiable “red lines” reflects Ukraine’s determination to preserve sovereignty despite immense military pressure.

A Broader Context

This latest statement comes as the conflict enters a critical phase, with both sides facing international scrutiny. While the US administration under President Donald Trump has pushed for a compromise solution, Zelensky’s firm stance demonstrates the tension between mediation and national security priorities.

Observers warn that if diplomacy continues to stall, military escalation remains a real possibility, potentially complicating European security and NATO’s role in the region.

{Source: IOL}

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