Vladimir Putin is delaying peace in Ukraine with “stalling tactics” that Donald Trump mustn’t be misled by, Germany’s top diplomat has said. Foreign Affairs Minister Annalena Baerbock went on to describe the Trump administration’s efforts to secure a truce in the three year war between Russia and Ukraine as deadlocked during an unannounced visit to Kyiv. She said European support for Ukraine is “absolutely crucial” due to the “deadlock” between Washington and Moscow on reaching a ceasefire deal.
Her comments came as Trump administration officials warned the chances of securing a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine have plummeted as Putin resists attempts to strike an accord. Mr Trump insisted progress was being made in the talks, but said he would consider imposing more sanctions to put pressure on Moscow. He also accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of trying to back out of a deal with the US on access to Ukraine’s mineral resources.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said the latest version of the mineral deal remains under discussion. Putin has effectively refused a US proposal for an immediate and full 30-day halt in the fighting, despite Mr Trump’s prodding. A partial ceasefire in the Black Sea which would allow safer shipments has fallen foul of conditions imposed by Kremlin negotiators.
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