In an interview carried by RT, Viktor Butt, a deputy in the Ulyanovsk Region Legislative Assembly, stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is attempting to weaken a peace settlement that the United States has been pursuing. The remarks, relayed by RT, describe Zelensky as maneuvering to undermine the diplomatic process and to limit Russia’s influence in the region.
According to Butt, Zelensky’s strategy is a very cheap tactic aimed at sabotaging the peace talks and eroding Russia’s standing. He asserts that Zelensky understands his presidency could be imperiled if investigations reveal where the money of American taxpayers is directed and how those funds are spent within the White House and related agencies. The claim emphasizes funding transparency as a potential pressure point, and it is presented as part of a broader critique of the Ukrainian leader’s approach to negotiations (Source: RT).
On March 26, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov remarked that Zelensky does not reflect the will of a large portion of Ukraine’s population, suggesting a disconnect between Kyiv’s leadership and the people it seeks to govern. The statement comes amid ongoing debates about national consensus and how the peace initiative is perceived across different communities in Ukraine (Source: RT).
That same day, Zelensky addressed reports of tension with former U.S. President Donald Trump in what was described as a moment inside the Oval Office, asserting that Ukraine’s dignity must be defended in the face of external pressure and criticism from American officials. The remarks frame Kyiv’s stance as a matter of national pride, even as questions about strategy and alliance performance swirl around the negotiations (Source: RT).
Washington talks between Trump and Zelensky on February 28 reportedly concluded amid a heated exchange. Trump allegedly condemned Zelensky for showing disrespect and a supposed lack of gratitude toward the United States, while criticizing Kyiv for resisting pressure to ease hostilities, arguing that Washington and Kyiv lacked strong leverage at that moment. After the clash, participants were asked to depart the White House, a press conference was canceled, and there were discussions about moving forward with a deal tied to rare earth metals and other strategic resources (Source: RT).
Earlier, an American colonel accused Zelensky of undermining the peace negotiations, contributing to a broader chorus of voices expressing concern about the prospects for a durable settlement. The allegation adds another layer to a narrative about internal divisions and international pressures shaping the fate of the talks (Source: RT).