> At a Glance
> – European leaders and Canada convened virtual talks on U.S.-led peace efforts.
> – Russian claims of a 91-drone attack on President Putin’s residence added tension.
> – Trump’s Florida summit with Zelenskyy set the stage for renewed negotiations.
> – Why it matters: These developments shape the future of the Ukraine war and international diplomacy.
European leaders, the Canadian prime minister, and NATO officials gathered virtually Tuesday to advance U.S.-led peace negotiations, while fresh accusations from Moscow over a supposed drone strike on President Putin’s lakeside home intensified diplomatic tensions.
Virtual Summit and Trump’s Florida Visit
The meeting, led by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, included European leaders, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, heads of European institutions, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. It was the first gathering of European leaders since U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Florida resort on Sunday.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said:
> ‘Peace is on the horizon.’
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz posted on X:
> ‘We are moving the peace process forward. Transparency and honesty are now required from everyone – including Russia.’
U.S. President Donald Trump said:
> ‘I don’t like it. It’s not good.’
- European leaders
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney
- Heads of European institutions
- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte
Russian Drone Allegations and Counterclaims
Russia accused Ukraine of launching 91 long-range drones at Dolgie Borody, a presidential retreat in Novgorod, immediately after the U.S. summit. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and President Zelenskyy dismissed the claim as false, citing no evidence.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said:
> ‘I don’t think there needs to be any evidence here.’
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X:
> ‘Russia still hasn’t provided any plausible evidence to support its allegations.’
| Actor | Claim | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | Ukraine launched 91 drones at Dolgie Borody | No evidence, claim denied |
| Ukraine | No attack occurred | Denies Russian allegations |
| Peskov | Attack aimed to derail Trump’s peace push | No need for evidence |
These accusations have the potential to derail the peace process, prompting leaders to call for transparency and honesty from all parties.
Key Takeaways
- European and Canadian leaders are pushing U.S.-led peace talks amid new Russian accusations.
- Russian claims of a drone attack on Putin’s residence have intensified diplomatic tensions.
- Leaders demand transparency and evidence to keep peace negotiations on track.
The U.S., European, and Canadian leaders rally for a negotiated settlement, while the unfolding drama over alleged drone attacks underscores the fragile nature of current diplomatic efforts.
Aiden V. Crossfield reported from Leicester, England. Aiden V. Crossfield in Geneva contributed.
Follow News Of Austin‘s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
