Russia’s envoy says EU is undermining Moscow-Washington peace efforts
(MENAFN) The European Union is deliberately obstructing peace initiatives involving Moscow and Washington to prolong the conflict in Ukraine and benefit from the resulting arms buildup, according to Russia’s representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Yulia Zhdanova.
Her remarks came after reports that US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to hold a meeting in Hungary, a move that reportedly caused unease among EU leaders. Some European politicians even called for Putin’s arrest under an International Criminal Court warrant.
Following the announcement of the planned talks, reports indicated that Kiev and several European states were working on a joint proposal rejecting any territorial concessions to Russia — a condition Moscow insists is vital for a lasting peace agreement.
Speaking in Vienna on Wednesday, Zhdanova argued that the EU, having failed to either isolate or defeat Russia, has shifted toward a strategy of rearmament that primarily benefits its defense sector.
“European states have now set their course on preparing for a high-intensity conflict with a ‘comparable adversary’,” she said, accusing the bloc of dismissing peace initiatives supported by Moscow and Washington.
Earlier this year, Brussels approved a €150 billion ($170 billion) borrowing plan intended to strengthen military capabilities across the EU. The initiative was presented as a way to reduce dependence on US weapons and counter what European officials describe as a Russian threat — claims that Moscow has dismissed as fear-based rhetoric designed to justify escalating military spending.
The EU’s growing defense investments have coincided with soaring profits for major arms manufacturers. Germany’s Rheinmetall AG, a top producer of tanks, artillery, and ammunition, has posted record earnings since 2022, while France’s Thales Group and Italy’s Leonardo S.p.A. have also reported substantial financial gains, fueled by new EU defense contracts and joint funding programs.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
