Zelenskyy Russia Accuses Moscow of Sabotaging Talks

Published: 30 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sharply accused Russia of attempting to sabotage peace negotiations, calling Moscow’s claims “typical Russian lies.” He made the remarks following a two-hour meeting on Sunday with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, stressing that Russia was using “dangerous statements” to undermine diplomatic efforts. Zelenskyy warned that the Kremlin’s narrative about a foiled drone attack on Vladimir Putin’s residence was fabricated, intending to justify further strikes on Ukraine and excuse its own inaction to end the conflict. He described Russia’s strategy as a repeated pattern of deception aimed at weakening international peace initiatives.

The Ukrainian president highlighted the risk of attacks on major government buildings in Kyiv, reminiscent of the September bombing of the cabinet ministers’ building. Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov alleged that Ukraine had tried to strike Putin’s residence in Novgorod, south of St Petersburg, asserting that Moscow would reconsider its negotiating stance as a result. Lavrov claimed Russian air defences intercepted 91 drones, denouncing these actions as “state terrorism” and suggesting retaliatory targets in Ukraine had already been identified.

Moscow’s threats appear to form part of an information campaign reminiscent of KGB-era tactics, designed to influence domestic opinion and the White House. Russian presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov stated that Putin had briefed Trump about the alleged attack, alleging Britain’s involvement in what he described as provocations. Trump reportedly expressed anger and surprise upon hearing the claims, describing the timing as “delicate” and noting that it was inappropriate to strike the Russian leader’s residence. The US president emphasized uncertainty about the incident while affirming that he had received the information directly from Putin.

Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, described the exchange between the two leaders as “positive,” reflecting ongoing diplomatic communication. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized Moscow’s tactic of projecting its actions onto Ukraine, asserting that Kyiv targets only legitimate military objectives in response to Russian aggression.

Zelenskyy also revealed that the US had offered “strong” 15-year security guarantees to Ukraine, though the status of the eastern Donbas region remains unresolved. He explained that both the US Congress and Ukraine’s parliament would vote jointly on these commitments, which form part of a 20-point peace plan discussed with Trump. The guarantees are intended to deter further Russian aggression in the event of a peace settlement. Zelenskyy lamented the ineffectiveness of previous guarantees, including the 1994 Budapest memorandum, and stressed the importance of long-term security assurances.

Although the specifics of the latest US commitments remain unclear, Trump ruled out deploying peacekeeping forces, suggesting that international monitors would provide sufficient security for Ukraine’s citizens. Zelenskyy proposed guarantees extending 30 to 50 years, noting that such a decision would be historic if implemented by Trump.

During a joint press conference on Sunday evening, Trump claimed that a deal to end the conflict was “closer than ever,” though the two sides remain far apart. The Kremlin insisted Ukraine must withdraw troops from a “fortress belt” of cities in Donetsk oblast, with Dmitry Peskov warning that Kyiv risks losing more territory if no agreement is reached. Zelenskyy rejected any concessions of Ukrainian land, instead proposing a demilitarised and free economic zone along the current frontline. He suggested that a national referendum could be held to approve the plan if Russia agreed to a ceasefire lasting at least 60 days, describing the vote as a powerful expression of Ukrainian will.

Trump also engaged European leaders via video call, with Zelenskyy planning additional talks in Europe and a follow-up meeting at the White House in January. The Ukrainian president described Sunday’s discussions as “great” and “substantive,” providing cautious optimism for progress in negotiations.

Ukrainian observers reacted positively to the absence of tension seen in previous meetings but criticized Trump’s ambiguous statements. His refusal to condemn Moscow’s recent drone attacks on Kyiv and comments on Ukraine’s counterattacks prompted criticism. Political analyst Maria Popova noted that Trump’s alignment with Putin’s narrative during the press conference reflected exposure to Russian propaganda, highlighting the complexities of coordinating international diplomacy amid misinformation campaigns.

Zelenskyy’s remarks underscore the ongoing challenges in negotiating a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict. Moscow continues to employ aggressive rhetoric and threats, complicating efforts to reach a ceasefire. The situation remains highly volatile, with international stakeholders closely monitoring developments while advocating for a sustainable, negotiated settlement.