Kremlin rules out Europe as mediator in Ukraine talks, citing its role as party to conflict

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declared Wednesday that Europe cannot serve as a mediator in any negotiations with Kyiv, arguing that European nations have made themselves a party to the Ukraine conflict and therefore lack the neutrality required for a mediating role, TASS reported.

Peskov was responding to questions about the prospects for European-led mediation efforts and remarks made by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, one of the few European Union leaders who has maintained open lines of communication with Moscow and repeatedly called for a negotiated settlement to the war.

The Kremlin's position underscores Moscow's longstanding view that Western and European governments, through their military and financial support for Ukraine, have forfeited any claim to impartiality in the conflict. By disqualifying Europe as a potential broker, the statement effectively narrows the field of internationally recognized actors that Russia would accept at a future negotiating table.