After meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other top Ukrainian officials in Kyiv on Saturday, a top U.S. ambassador claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin was not sincere about peace negotiations with Ukraine at this time.
In an effort to express support for Ukraine at a time when Russia is seeking to destroy its energy infrastructure, U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland traveled there.
Everyone’s goal in diplomacy is obvious, but you need a willing partner, she told reporters.
U.S. President Joe Biden said on Thursday he was prepared to speak to Putin if the Russian leader was interested in ending the war. But the idea died quickly when the Kremlin said the West must recognize Moscow’s declared annexation of four Ukrainian regions.
This reaction from Russia, Nuland said, showed “how not serious they are”.
Nuland also met Andriy Yermak, the head of Zelenskiy’s office, who expressed thanks for the billions of dollars worth of aid Washington has committed to Ukraine.
“Ukraine’s victory, which we are sure of, will be our joint victory,” Zelenskiy’s office quoted him as telling Nuland.