Senior Western officials have issued a stark rebuke to the Kremlin, demanding an end to what they characterise as disingenuous peace negotiations, as the war in Ukraine enters its 1,380th day. The condemnation follows a round of talks in Moscow between US envoys and Vladimir Putin which failed to yield any tangible progress.
Diplomatic Condemnation and Royal Support
Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, led the charge, telling Vladimir Putin to "stop wasting the world's time." His sentiments were echoed by the UK's new Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, who stated the Russian president "should end the bluster and the bloodshed" and engage in genuine negotiations. Estonia's Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, labelled it "pretty obvious" that Moscow lacks a sincere interest in peace.
In a significant display of solidarity, King Charles III spoke directly of "Russian aggression" while hosting Germany's President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The monarch affirmed that both nations "together stand with Ukraine and bolster Europe against the threat of further Russian aggression." The King's unwavering support since the invasion's outset is noted, with observers suggesting his past diplomacy with former US President Donald Trump helped temporarily shift the latter's stance on Ukraine.
Stalled Talks and Battlefield Updates
Despite US President Donald Trump describing the envoy-level talks with Putin as "reasonably good," he admitted the path forward remained unclear, stating "it does take two to tango." The Kremlin acknowledged reviewing US proposals but stated "compromises have not yet been found." Further discussions are scheduled in Florida between Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov and Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, alongside Jared Kushner.
On the ground, Ukrainian forces report pushing Russian troops back to the northern outskirts of Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region, creating a defensive "kill zone." Meanwhile, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) downplayed the strategic importance of Russia's claimed seizure of Pokrovsk, noting its capture is "unlikely to produce rapid Russian advances." Ukrainian military strikes reportedly hit an oil depot in Russia's Tambov region, a Black Sea observation post, and drones in occupied Crimea.
In a separate maritime incident, the Romanian military detonated a drone it identified as a Ukrainian 'Sea Baby' in the Black Sea, a claim promptly denied by Ukraine's SBU security service, which stated all its assets were accounted for.
International Response and Sanctions
The global response to the ongoing conflict continues to intensify. The European Commission unveiled plans for a 'reparations loan' to Ukraine, using profits from frozen Russian assets. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the move would ensure Ukraine can defend itself and negotiate "from a position of strength." EU leaders will decide on the mechanism later this month.
In a symbolic move, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding the immediate return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred to Russia, passing by a vote of 91 to 12.
Australia and New Zealand became the first non-NATO nations to contribute to a fund for Ukraine's critical military equipment, with Australia pledging an additional A$50 million. This brings Australia's total support to over $1.7 billion since 2022. Canberra also sanctioned 45 more vessels in Russia's 'shadow fleet' and targeted over 1,180 individuals and 293 entities with financial sanctions.
Furthermore, Britain and Norway announced a joint warship fleet to hunt Russian submarines in the North Atlantic, aiming to protect undersea infrastructure like data cables.
