European defence ministers have reiterated that Russia’s ongoing military aggression remains a significant barrier to achieving a peace agreement in Ukraine, as the United States proceeds with diplomatic engagements with Moscow.
On Friday, former Trump administration official Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, shaking hands at the start of what Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described as “a good opportunity” for Russia to present its position to Donald Trump. According to Peskov, the talks—still ongoing—may also include discussions about a potential meeting between Putin and Trump, as reported by RIA Novosti.
“The painstaking work continues. Naturally, Witkoff, as a special representative of (US President Donald) Trump, will convey something from his president to Putin. Putin will listen to it. The conversation will continue on various aspects of the Ukrainian settlement,” Peskov told state media outlet TASS.
Witkoff, serving as Trump’s foreign envoy, also held talks with Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev earlier in the day. He is scheduled to participate in high-level discussions on Iran in Oman on Saturday.
Meanwhile, in Brussels, Ukraine’s key allies convened for a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, co-hosted by the United Kingdom and Germany. The absence of US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth—who only joined virtually—marked the first time a senior Pentagon official has not attended in person since the group’s inception in 2022.
During the summit, both UK and German defence ministers stressed that President Putin’s actions continue to undermine the prospect of peace. Despite Russia’s public claims of seeking an end to hostilities, its forces persist in targeting both military and civilian areas within Ukraine.
“Given Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, we must concede peace in Ukraine appears to be out of reach in the immediate future,” German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated at a joint press briefing alongside his British and Ukrainian counterparts. “We will ensure that Ukraine continues to benefit from our joint military support. Russia needs to understand that Ukraine is able to go on fighting, and we will support it.”
UK Defence Secretary James Healey added, “Putin said he wanted peace, but he rejected a full ceasefire. Putin said he wanted peace, but he continues to drag his feet and delay negotiations. Putin said he wanted peace, but his forces continue to fire on Ukraine, military and civilian targets alike.”
The Contact Group, formed during the Biden administration by former US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, comprises around 50 nations and serves as a platform to coordinate military aid for Ukraine as the conflict with Russia stretches into its third year.