Diplomatic moves tested in war talks

Moscow uses Lavrov to cast doubt on any immediate summit as Kyiv and Western officials question Moscow's negotiating intent.

Trump peace bid fails as Kremlin rejects Putin Zelenskyy summit

Lavrov said that Putin is ready to meet Zelenskyy when the agenda for a summit is ready, and that the agenda is not ready at all. He added that Zelenskyy said no to everything and questioned the legitimacy of a leader who refuses negotiation. These lines show Moscow framing talks as conditional and negotiators as unreliable.

In Washington and Brussels, officials responded with cautious skepticism. Some described a potential face-to-face meeting as possible, while EU leaders warned that Russia has made no concessions and remains the aggressor. Zelenskyy accused Moscow of dragging out talks to shield itself from new sanctions. The mix of rhetoric and mixed signals keeps diplomacy on a fragile, uncertain path while sanctions policy looms as a lever rather than a guarantee of movement.

The exchange exposes a familiar pattern: diplomacy becomes a tug of words as each side tests the other’s limits. Moscow uses sharp rhetoric to claim leverage, while Western officials weigh whether to intensify pressure or seek broader terms. The divide within Europe and among allied capitals shows how fragile unity can be when the endgame of the war remains unclear. If there is no credible agenda or any real concession from Moscow, the risk is not just stalled talks but a longer war and greater strain on political coalitions at home.

Highlights

Diplomacy will depend on tangible moves, not excuses.