Kremlin cynically justified Putin's refusal to meet with Zelensky

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to a statement by Russian presidential spokesman Dmitriy Peskov.

According to him, there is a growing "war party" in the EU, which allegedly hinders diplomacy and pushes Kiev to continue fighting. Peskov emphasised that Europe's approach contrasted with Putin and Trump's "efforts" aimed at a peaceful settlement.

He accused Europe of "sticking sticks in the wheels" and encouraging Ukraine to be "intransigent," even though Kiev has repeatedly said it is ready to negotiate. Peskov said that Russia would continue military action until it "sees reciprocity".