European and U.S. officials report a lack of signals from the Kremlin indicating any willingness to end the war. Despite active diplomatic efforts, key issues — Ukraine’s security, territories, and guarantees — remain unresolved. At the same time, the West continues to coordinate positions and seek mechanisms of pressure and deterrence.
Pistorius: Putin Shows No Readiness to End the War
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius saidhe sees no signs that Russia’s leadership is prepared to end its war against Ukraine. According to him, despite efforts by the United States, Europe, and Ukraine to achieve a ceasefire, there are no signals from Moscow of any interest in peace. Pistorius emphasized that the only person who could immediately stop the war remains Vladimir Putin. At the same time, he acknowledged that the talks in Berlin were important from a political standpoint.
The head of Germany’s Defense Ministry stressed that the Berlin meetings demonstrated Europe’s right to participate in shaping decisions about Ukraine’s future. European partners, he said, were able to coordinate their positions with the United States and Ukraine. Commenting on security guarantees and Germany’s possible participation in “European-led multinational forces,” Pistorius described these discussions as still hypothetical. However, he emphasized Europeans’ “principled readiness” to take part and underlined that the United States must now make a significant contribution.
Budanov: Ukraine-U.S. Talks Are Complex and Multilateral
Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, saidthat negotiations with the United States on ending the war are not limited to a bilateral format. According to him, the dialogue is complex and multilateral, which significantly complicates the negotiation process. Budanov noted that he cannot publicly disclose all details of the talks. “Multilateral and complex, not just bilateral,” he said, describing negotiations with the American side.
At the same time, the Ukrainian intelligence chief positively assessed the role of the United States in the talks. “In fact, they have given the process new momentum and energy. I can say that I am optimistic about the future,” Budanov stated. He also noted that his direct involvement in the negotiations allows him to better assess Washington’s intentions and respond to U.S. demands.
Vance Says There Is ‘Some Breakthrough’ in Peace Talks
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said, that the United States sees progress in peace talks on Ukraine, although the final outcome remains uncertain. According to him, a key development is that all problematic issues have now been brought into open discussion. He acknowledged that the negotiations are accompanied by difficulties with the Ukrainian, European, and Russian sides. At the same time, Vance emphasized that all participants in the process are acting in good faith.
The U.S. vice president singled out the territorial issue as the biggest obstacle. “This horrific territorial concession is a major obstacle in the negotiations,” he said, commenting on the situation around Donetsk region. Vance also mentioned the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the fate of people in the temporarily occupied territories, and reconstruction issues. According to him, the United States will continue negotiations, although there is no certainty they will result in a peace agreement.
U.S. Adapted PURL Packages for Ukraine With Norway’s Support
Головнокомандувач збройних сил Норвегії Ейрік Крістофферсен saidNorwegian Armed Forces Commander Eirik Kristoffersen said that the United States adapted Priority Ukraine Requirements Lists (PURL) packages in line with Ukraine’s requests. According to him, Norway turned to the U.S. after realizing it could not independently supply certain types of weapons. The American side, the general noted, adjusted the packages to meet Ukraine’s needs. Kristoffersen emphasized that this mechanism is working effectively.
He stressed that PURL is only part of Norway’s broader military assistance to Ukraine. Since February 2022, the country has been supplying weapons from its own stockpiles and cooperating with the defense industry. “The PURL packages were an addition to our own assistance,” the general said. According to him, Norway is also encouraging other European states to use this support format more actively.
Starmer and Trump Discuss Peace Efforts on Ukraine – Reuters
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, during which they discussed ways to achieve a “just and lasting end” to the war in Ukraine.
According reported the leaders began the conversation by discussing the war and the current diplomatic situation. Starmer briefed Trump on the work of the so-called “coalition of the willing,” which has committed to supporting Ukraine. They also discussed ensuring the implementation of a potential peace agreement.
The call took place amid new talks in the United States, where American representatives met with Russian officials in Florida. These contacts followed consultations between the U.S. and Ukrainian and European officials on a peace plan.
According to Reuters, the talks have generated cautious hopes for a possible settlement of the war launched by Russia in February 2022. At the same time, London noted that Starmer and Trump also touched on a range of bilateral issues in U.S.–UK relations.
Photo: Reuters
Author: Danylo Pievchev