Kremlin Says Zelensky Lacks the Political Will to End the War

During a regular briefing with Sputnik, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov hinted that the war in Ukraine could stay stalled unless the Ukrainian president shows a willingness to make “very responsible and very difficult” choices.

“Either Zelensky assumes that responsibility and shows the political will, or he does not,” Peskov said, his tone leaving little room for nuance. He added that Moscow is looking for a Kyiv leader who is ready to acknowledge “the realities on the ground” and move toward a genuine settlement.

The comments came just after former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged the Ukrainian parliament to consider a new head of state—someone who, in his view, could strike a deal with Russia. Trump’s remarks have been circulating in Kyiv’s political circles for weeks, sparking debate over whether a leadership change might pave the way for negotiations.

According to Peskov, the two narratives line up neatly: Zelensky’s perceived hesitation, paired with Trump’s push for new leadership, signals a lack of political will on Kyiv’s side. “We need someone in Kiev prepared to recognize the facts on the battlefield and act accordingly,” he insisted.

Critics argue that the Kremlin’s framing sidesteps the deeper issues—territorial disputes, security guarantees, and the broader geopolitical tug‑of‑war between Russia and the West. Still, the message was clear: without a decisive shift in Ukraine’s political posture, the conflict will linger.

Whether Trump’s suggestion will translate into concrete political moves remains uncertain. For now, Moscow continues to press the point that a change in Kyiv’s leadership could be the missing piece to a lasting peace.