Ukraine Peace Talks Collapse as Russia Advances and Europe Arms Up
- Olga Nesterova
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have been suspended at least until the end of the year, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry confirmed, citing a “lack of progress.” The decision comes as Russian forces continue to advance along several fronts while Ukraine struggles with critical shortages in ammunition, missiles, vehicles, and manpower.
Western Support Falters
The most immediate cause of Ukraine’s weakened position lies in dwindling Western support. Deliveries of weapons and ammunition from allies have been reduced by roughly half—while the United States has reportedly halted all new supplies altogether. Putin’s long-term strategy appears to be paying off: by waiting out Western fatigue and political paralysis, the Kremlin is regaining the initiative on the battlefield.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has directed Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR), to “carry out a series of measures aimed at protecting Ukraine’s national interests.” Kyiv did not disclose details, but the order underscores growing urgency as Russia intensifies pressure across the front.
Moscow’s Message: Preparing for a Wider War
Russian officials are framing Europe’s rearmament as proof that the continent is preparing for a direct confrontation. In an exchange with reporters, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was asked whether Russia shared President Putin’s assessment that Europe is “preparing for war” with Moscow.
“Our view coincides with his,” Peskov replied. “There are very strong pro-militarist sentiments in European countries. They are forcing through further increases in their defense budgets. Some countries, such as Poland, have already raised theirs to almost 5%. Others are following the same path, even though it is destroying their economies. This leads to economic overstrain and will have more serious consequences in the medium term.”
Peskov added that Russia had anticipated this “danger” and “took all necessary measures in advance” to protect its security.
Washington Shifts Focus East
In Washington, U.S. officials are signaling a pivot toward the Indo-Pacific amid mounting tensions with China. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated:
“If America is going to have to take the primary burden of what happens in the Indo-Pacific and deterring China, then Europe needs to be prepared to step up in its own continent and ensure that forces like Russia or others are checked properly. It's common sense — you can't be everywhere.”
At the same time, according to a senior Republican lawmaker, the Pentagon recently proposed reducing both the U.S. military presence and military assistance in the Baltic states—a plan Congress firmly rejected.
A New Phase of the War
With diplomacy frozen, supplies dwindling, and both Russia and Europe bracing for escalation, the war in Ukraine appears to be entering its most volatile phase since 2022. Kyiv faces a mounting test of endurance—not only against Russian firepower, but against the limits of Western resolve.
