Putin aims to blame Ukraine for failed negotiations

This is yet another example of how the Kremlin uses Western media to spread narratives that serve its interests. Russia’s main goal remains unchanged: to derail any real negotiations while making Ukraine appear responsible for their failure. And, to be fair, we are not doing enough to counter this tactic.

"Putin was never ready and will not be ready anytime soon for any ceasefire. He has no motivation to do so, and yesterday’s massive missile attack on Ukrainian cities is clear proof of this."

The only purpose of such information leaks is to influence public opinion in the United States. The Kremlin wants to create the impression that Russia is open to negotiations and a truce, while the resistance comes from Ukraine, Europe, and even China (the latter being particularly important for the American audience). The logic is simple: if peace is not achieved, it is supposedly not Russia’s fault but rather the fault of those who "refused the opportunity" to negotiate.

Recently, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio openly admitted that the U.S. administration has no real plan to end the war. As a result, their entire strategy is now focused on reaching a quick truce, and if that fails (which it certainly will), they will simply assign blame for its failure.

Is the Ukrainian government doing enough to avoid being put in that position? I will not comment on that. But it is clear that countering this Kremlin tactic must become one of Ukraine’s top diplomatic priorities.

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About the author: Mykola Kniazhytskyi, journalist, Member of the Ukrainian Parliament.

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