**Russia Accuses Ukraine of Trying to Wreck Peace Talks**
Russia’s defence ministry has accused Ukraine, backed by certain European countries, of taking “provocative steps” aimed at derailing Moscow-initiated direct peace talks with Kyiv. This comes after the first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in over three years took place on May 16, but failed to produce a ceasefire agreement.
The Russian ministry said that since May 20, Ukraine has significantly increased drone and missile attacks on Russian territory, using Western-supplied munitions and targeting civilian areas. According to the ministry, Russian air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 2,331 Ukrainian drones between the evening of May 20 and the morning of May 27, including 1,465 outside the immediate conflict zone.
**Escalation in Conflict**
The intensification of attacks has prompted a sharp escalation in Russian strikes on Ukraine’s territory. On Sunday night, Ukraine reported a record barrage by Russian forces. The U.S. President Donald Trump commented that Russian President Vladimir Putin had “gone absolutely CRAZY,” while also threatening new sanctions.
However, Russia’s defence ministry said that its strikes were retaliatory, precise, and targeted solely at military facilities and enterprises within Ukraine’s military-industrial complex. This statement suggests that Russia is trying to portray itself as a defensive power, rather than an aggressor.
**International Reactions**
The situation has sparked international reactions. The U.S. President’s comment on Putin has further complicated the diplomatic efforts. The U.S. has been critical of Russia’s actions in Ukraine and has imposed sanctions on Russian individuals and entities.
The European Union and other Western countries have also called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, their statements have been met with skepticism by Moscow. The situation highlights the complexity and sensitivity of the conflict, which has been ongoing since 2014.
**Commentary**
The accusations by Russia’s defence ministry highlight the difficulty in achieving a ceasefire agreement. The use of Western-supplied munitions by Ukraine adds to the tensions between Moscow and Kyiv. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of European countries, which have supported Ukraine’s efforts.
As the conflict escalates, it becomes increasingly difficult to achieve a peaceful resolution. The international community must continue to pressure both sides to negotiate a ceasefire agreement. However, in the current atmosphere, it seems unlikely that a breakthrough will be achieved soon.
**Analysis**
The situation in Ukraine is a classic example of an asymmetric conflict, where a stronger military power (Russia) is pitted against a weaker one (Ukraine). The involvement of European countries has added another layer of complexity to the conflict. The accusations by Russia’s defence ministry suggest that Moscow is trying to deflect attention from its own actions and shift the blame onto Ukraine.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by diplomats in achieving a peaceful resolution. As tensions escalate, it becomes increasingly difficult to find common ground between the two sides. The international community must continue to apply pressure on both sides to negotiate a ceasefire agreement.
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