Russia ‘not ready for peace’ with ‘no tangible signs’ of serious engagement, EU says - Europe live

The Guardian World

by Jakub Krupa

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The European Union has expressed skepticism about Russia's commitment to peace in Ukraine, stating there are "no tangible signs" of serious engagement from Moscow. This assessment comes after Russian forces continued their relentless attacks on Ukrainian territory, including a recent wave of missile and drone strikes just ahead of peace talks in Geneva. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had accused Russia of employing "delay tactics" to stall negotiations, highlighting the ongoing challenges in achieving a resolution to the conflict. Meanwhile, Sweden has announced a significant new military support package for Ukraine, valued at approximately €1.2 billion. This aid package was pledged in response to Zelenskyy's urgent appeal over the weekend for assistance with air defense systems and ammunition. The move underscores the growing international commitment to shore up Ukraine's defenses as the conflict shows no signs of abating. The EU's remarks reflect broader concerns among Western allies about Russia's intentions. Despite repeated calls for peace, Russian actions on the ground suggest a continued focus on military escalation rather than diplomatic resolution. This stance has left many questioning whether Moscow is genuinely willing to end the war or if it is using negotiations as a delaying tactic. The situation remains critical, with Ukraine facing relentless attacks and mounting pressure from all sides. Sweden's decision to provide substantial military aid highlights the ongoing need for international support to counterbalance Russia's aggression. As peace talks continue to falter, the focus remains on whether global efforts can push Moscow toward meaningful engagement—or if the conflict will persist indefinitely. For readers interested in global affairs, these developments underscore the complex and volatile nature of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The lack of progress in peace negotiations, coupled with ongoing military actions and international aid efforts, highlight the stakes involved for regional stability and global security.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/19/2026