'Someone must make Zelenskyy want peace': Kremlin after Trump showdown
What's the story
The Kremlin has called on outside forces to convince Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to take a peaceful route after a heated meeting with US President Donald Trump.
During the Oval Office meeting, Trump accused Zelenskyy of disrespecting the United States and expressed fears of World War III.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said this incident highlights how difficult it is to make peace in Ukraine, alleging that "the Kyiv regime and Zelenskyy do not want peace."
Diplomatic tensions
Kremlin suggests European intervention, criticizes Zelenskiy's diplomacy
Peskov emphasized that it was up to external forces to push Zelenskyy, suggesting European intervention would be commendable.
He said Russian President Vladimir Putin was aware of the Oval Office incident and considers it a demonstration of Zelenskyy's poor diplomatic skills.
Despite the tensions, Zelenskyy on Sunday remained hopeful of mending ties with Trump but maintained Ukraine won't concede territory to Russia.
Solidarity expressed
European leaders rally behind Zelenskiy post-confrontation
In the wake of the Oval Office incident, European leaders have been quick to express their staunch support for Zelenskyy.
At a London summit, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new £1.6 billion deal for Ukraine to acquire air-defense missiles.
French President Emmanuel Macron took to social media to express support for Ukraine's fight for dignity and independence, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk assured Ukraine they are not alone in this conflict.
Western divide
Kremlin observes Western 'fragmentation' over Ukraine conflict
In response to the summit, the Kremlin stated that it was an attempt to perpetuate the conflict rather than seek peace, and it also emphasized the tensions between Europe and the US.
"We see that ... a fragmentation of the collective West has begun," Peskov said.
"There remains a group of countries that rather constitutes the party of war, which declares its readiness to further back Ukraine in terms of supporting the war and ensuring the continuation of hostilities."