Peace talks obstructed again by Putin. The conflict is unlikely to stop

Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again complicated efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, despite recent diplomatic momentum following a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Mar-a Lago

Hence, on Monday, Putin accused Ukraine of deliberately launching drone attacks on his residence. On the other hand, Kyiv dismissed as fabricated and aimed at undermining peace talks.

President Donald Trump’s campaign to bring the conflict to an end faced new obstacles after Putin said he would revise Russia’s negotiating position following the alleged attack.

According to the Kremlin, Putin raised the issue directly with Trump during a phone call on Monday. Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump confirmed the discussion and appeared to side with the Russian leader, saying he was “very angry.”

“It’s one thing to be offensive,” Trump said. “It’s another thing to attack his house. It’s not the right time to do any of that.”

Zelenskiy rejected the allegations, calling them “a new lie,” and warned that Moscow could be using the claim as a pretext for further attacks on Ukrainian government targets. Despite the dispute, the Kremlin said Putin reaffirmed his willingness to work with the US toward peace, while also indicating that Russia would reconsider previously reached agreements.

Earlier on Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed Ukraine had attempted to strike a presidential residence in the Novgorod region with 91 drones and warned of retaliation. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha dismissed the accusation as false and designed to justify continued aggression.

The escalation contrasted sharply with the more optimistic tone of Sunday’s meeting between Trump and Zelenskiy, after which both leaders said a peace plan was “90% agreed,” though major disagreements remain, particularly over territorial control. In a Fox News interview, Zelenskiy reiterated his lack of trust in Putin.

“I don’t trust Putin, and he doesn’t want success for Ukraine,” Zelenskiy said.

Ukraine is seeking further talks with European partners and the US in January, while negotiations continue over key issues including the Donbas region, security guarantees, sanctions, and NATO-related demands. Meanwhile, Russia has continued drone and missile strikes against Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure, highlighting the fragility of ongoing peace efforts.

Benedetta Zimone