Europe Urges U.S. to Harden Stance as Moscow's Promises Prove Empty
European foreign affairs ministers aren't convinced by Russian President Vladimir Putin's efforts to halt military actions in Ukraine and are increasing pressure on the United States to react appropriately.
"Obviously, Vladimir Putin shows no inclination to agree to a ceasefire or initiate peace talks," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated to journalists at NATO headquarters on Friday.
Barrot, who attended the two-day gathering of foreign ministers along with his British colleague, stated that this circumstance should encourage everyone dedicated to Euro-Atlantic security to ramp up the pressure on Putin to ultimately agree to negotiations.
"We recognize you, Vladimir Putin. We understand your actions. That is precisely why we are committed to ensuring Ukraine is placed in the most robust position conceivable, both militarily and economically, along with providing the necessary humanitarian support," stated UK’s David Lammy.
Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump has helped break the impasse in ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine, ensuring that the Kremlin remains dedicated to achieving peace.
However, Moscow dismissed a US suggestion in March for a one-month truce following Ukraine’s approval—and some European NATO partners think Putin might just be trying to buy time to secure an edge on the battleground.
Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that Russia’s demands for talks remain merely "hollow phrases and assurances" amid ongoing assaults on Ukraine.
"Ukraine has explicitly stated that it desires an immediate ceasefire with no prerequisites, and this is precisely what is required at present," the German Green politician further emphasized.
On Thursday, a NATO representative stated that there is no evidence suggesting a shift in Russia’s overarching objectives, emphasizing that the country remains intent on increasing pressure with the aim of achieving territorial advantages during the conflict.
"We remain skeptical about Putin's team approaching the negotiations with genuine intentions," the official stated.
As the United States strives to conclude the three-year conflict in Ukraine, Russia has initiated a significant recruitment campaign for an additional 160,000 troops and persists with its assaults on Ukrainian land.
"If you examine how Russia has acted until now, it appears that regardless of the kind of energy cease-fire established, the Russians do not seem to be complying with it," stated the official.
Earlier this week, both sides accused each other of launching new attacks on energy infrastructure, violating the US-brokered moratorium reached after last month’s lengthy phone call between Trump and Putin.
“We cannot wait forever — it is now up to Russia to show whether it wants peace or whether it wants to continue its war of aggression,” Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said.
Meanwhile, his Canadian counterpart welcomed cooperation with the US to push for a ceasefire, noting that Russia has tried to sow division and weaken the transatlantic alliance. “But at one point, we need a decision — and there need to be consequences,” Mélanie Joly said.
“We think that if ultimately they don’t agree to that ceasefire, there should be consequences,” she concluded.
