On June 14, Trump had a telephone conversation with Putin following an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear sites. The Russian President expressed willingness to resume dialogue with Ukrainian officials after June 22, as stated by Russian Foreign Ministry representative Maria Zakharova.
Peace talks in Istanbul have failed to produce much other than prisoner of war exchanges as Putin doubles down on his maximalist demands.
Kuleba suggested that amidst the stalled negotiations, Europe should focus on manufacturing and purchasing weapons, not just for Ukraine but also for its own defense needs.
On June 24, 2025, people observe as debris is cleared from a destroyed five-story residential structure in Kyiv, Ukraine. The rescue teams have concluded their efforts to clear the wreckage from the site of a Russian missile attack on the residential building in Kyiv’s Shevchenkivskyi district. (Andrew Kravchenko/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)
“For decades, Europe was relying on the United States and was going back and forth with Washington, checking every decision they were going to make, but it’s just not sustainable anymore,” he explained. “They have to learn how to take care of themselves, sorry to say it. The sooner they do it, the better for them, us and everyone else.”
“You cannot build your life knowing that America is paying for my security, Russian gas is paying for my cheap energy prices and [the] socialism that I’m building. And Chinese minerals [are] allowing me to — are paying for my industrial growths. It’s not sustainable. You cannot depend on one player in the most critical fundamentals for your life,” he added.
The European Union proposed an 18th sanctions package against Russia in June, targeting its energy and banking sectors.
EU Commission vice-president, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas (L) and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen (R) talk to the media. (Thierry Monasse/Getty Images)
“We want peace for Ukraine. Despite weeks of diplomatic attempts, despite President Zelenskyy’s offer of an unconditional ceasefire, Russia continues to bring death and destruction to Ukraine,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas in a joint statement.
“Russia’s goal is not peace, it is to impose the rule of might. Therefore, we are ramping up pressure on Russia. Because strength is the only language that Russia will understand.”
