European Commission: Putin lacks interest in peace talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has "a total lack of respect" for the talks on a possible ceasefire, a European Commission spokesperson said. "He shows every day that Russia is not interested in continuing with this." She referred to recent Russian attacks in Ukraine that have killed Ukrainian citizens. Nevertheless, the European Commission said it was important that these talks continue. "Nobody wants peace more than Ukraine."

The outcome of peace talks should make Ukraine stronger, "because Putin does not respect weakness". With additional arms supplies from the EU, Ukraine should be put in a strong position, she added.

She stressed the importance of a ceasefire to achieve a just, long-lasting and comprehensive peace. "But we cannot be naive because we are dealing with Putin and seeing his murderous attacks."