Russia Blames West for Blocking Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Drone Attacks

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Western countries and European allies of obstructing peace negotiations to end the Ukraine conflict, criticizing Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for setting conditions and refusing to compromise on territorial and security demands. Lavrov indicated that Russia is willing to accept security guarantees from a coalition of United Nations Security Council permanent members, including the U.S., Britain, China, France, and Russia itself, contingent on Ukraine remaining neutral, non-nuclear, and outside military blocs. Despite President Trump's efforts to push trilateral peace talks forward, including meetings with Putin, Zelenskyy, and European leaders, progress has been stalled by unresolved issues such as Ukraine's territorial claims and security guarantees. The Trump administration has reportedly blocked Ukraine's requests to use long-range U.S. missiles for strikes deep inside Russia, coinciding with diplomatic delays. Meanwhile, Ukraine responded to the stalled talks by launching drone attacks on Russian territory during its Independence Day, signaling frustration over the lack of progress. Both sides remain far apart, with Russia demanding territorial concessions and Ukraine refusing to cede land or abandon NATO aspirations, complicating prospects for a swift resolution.