Ukrainian Official Cautions Against Peace Negotiations with Putin

In a conversation with CBS News, a lawmaker from Ukraine suggested caution for President Trump in the quest for peace with Russia. She emphasized that the US leader must recognize that negotiating with Vladimir Putin is imprudent, labeling Putin as the instigator of the ongoing conflict.

Lisa Yasko, part of Ukraine's parliament and an ally of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressed her views after critical discussions took place in Moscow between the Russian president and a U.S. representative, Steve Witkoff. Yasko highlighted that Putin appears to have only a superficial interest in peace.

She remarked, "Putin seemed very pleased during the meeting with Witkoff, yet this isn't about genuine peace." According to her, Putin's focus lies in projecting geopolitical influence rather than resolving conflicts.

Yasko acknowledged President Trump's pragmatic approach but cautioned, "Diplomatic solutions can't be reduced solely to financial bargaining. One must avoid appeasing aggression beyond a certain point."

This gathering in Moscow, which included Jared Kushner, was part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to propose a settlement. Initially, a 28-point plan was suggested, which controversially involved Kyiv surrendering occupied areas to Russia.

Despite talks that lasted five hours, Putin's advisor, Yuri Ushakov, remarked that, while the discussions were constructive, a resolution to the crisis remains distant.

Yasko expressed skepticism about Putin's intentions, suggesting that his aim is to redefine the global hierarchy and enhance Russia's prominence alongside major economies like China and the U.S.

She criticized a potential deal proposed by Trump as being incredibly detrimental for Ukraine. European leaders fear that conceding to Russian demands for a ceasefire in Ukraine could set a dangerous example, emboldening further territorial ambitions.

NATO allies have also raised alarms over Russian incursions into European airspace and suspected sabotage against crucial European infrastructure, signaling ongoing tensions.

Yet, as the U.S. spearheads peace negotiations, many European figures have found themselves marginalized in these dialogues.