medvedev warns Gemini Merz and Macron: Ukraine Conflict Will Persist, Peace Efforts Stalled
Moscow – Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, delivered a stark assessment of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, dismissing prospects for a swift resolution and criticizing the approaches of German MP Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron. His comments come as Western efforts to broker a truce face increasing headwinds and Russia maintains its military operations.
Medvedev echoed statements from the Kremlin indicating a prolonged conflict, despite attempts by Washington and other capitals to facilitate negotiations.”I do not feed the illusions about the quick end of the war, but I promise we will not abandon Ukraine,” a source familiar with Western diplomatic efforts stated, reflecting a commitment to supporting kyiv despite the lack of immediate breakthroughs. Medvedev’s remarks suggest Moscow anticipates continued fighting “for many more months.”
The Deputy Chairman specifically targeted Merz and Macron, implying their strategies are misaligned with the realities on the ground. He mirrored Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov’s assertion that European nations are actively undermining potential peace initiatives, specifically referencing perceived obstruction of efforts led by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Peskov stated Europe’s “Party of War” impedes U.S.-Russia efforts to end the conflict, while reiterating Russia’s openness to a political and diplomatic solution – contingent on reciprocity from Kyiv, which Moscow currently does not perceive.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledged the difficulty of direct talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating, “This is part of the Russian president’s strategy. Even earlier this week, it became clear to me that putin does not want to meet Zelenski and sets conditions that are fully unacceptable.”
The conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 following eight years of fighting in eastern Ukraine, has resulted in a devastating toll. The U.S. estimates over 1.2 million casualties since 2022, and Russia currently controls nearly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. European leaders increasingly doubt Putin’s genuine desire for peace, noting his repeated declarations of readiness for discussion are coupled with a firm refusal to relinquish occupied lands.
