Yesterday, (Friday), the Kremlin announced that peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are on “pause” in what is seen as a further indication that US President Donald Trump’s efforts to cease the war are stalling. The United States’ leader has spoken several times with leaders of Kyiv’s Nato allies, as well as Vladaimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, in efforts to achieve an agreement.
But, despite an important meeting held with Mr Trump in Alaska last month, the Russian Army has pressed on with their offensive as they push for more land and ramp up missile attacks. An attack on Ukraine by drones this week saw the Russian machines cross over into Polish airspace.
Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman from the Kremlin, said: “Our negotiators have the opportunity to communicate through channels. But for now, it is probably more accurate to talk about a pause. You can’t wear rose-tinted glasses and expect that the negotiation process will yield immediate results.”
According to The Telegraph, Putin has effectively ruled out a meeting with Mr Zelensky, who declared a summit is vital to break the deadlock. But, Putin insists such a meeting could only take place in Moscow — something Kyiv is unlikely to ever agree to.
The comments Mr Peskov made came after Mr Trump played down the incursion of Russian drones into Nato airspace in Poland, speculating it may have been a “mistake” by the Kremlin.
Polish and Dutch fighter jets were scrambled on Tuesday night after Russia launched missiles and drones at Ukraine. It is believed about 19 entered Polish airspace. Dutch F-35s shot down two, while three others crashed under unclear circumstances, and no casualties were reported in the incident.
Mr Trump’s suggestion that the incident was a mistake by Russia was quickly disputed by Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister.
The Polish leader posted on X on Friday morning: “We would also wish that the drone attack on Poland was a mistake. But it wasn’t. And we know it.”
Cezary Tomczyk, the deputy defence minister, echoed the criticism.
“I think this is a message that should reach President Trump today: there’s no question of a mistake – this was a deliberate Russian attack,” Mr Tomczyk said to Polsat News.
As per The Telegraph, the incursion appeared to be an attempt by Putin to test Nato’s air defences and its reactions in responding to provocation. Several nations including Germany and the UK pledged to provide Poland with stronger air defences and Nato allies also vowed to send more troops and aircraft to deter Russia and strengthen Poland’s eastern flank.
Karol Nawrocki, the Polish president spoke with Mr Trump on Wednesday following the incursion of the Russian drones.
“I spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump about the multiple violations of Polish airspace by Russian drones that took place last night,” Mr Nawrocki said.
“The conversation is part of a series of consultations I have been holding with our allies. Today’s talks confirmed allied unity,” he added.