Russia disrupts Trump-led Ukraine peace talks with sabotage claims

As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its fifth year, Moscow has launched a new diplomatic offensive aimed at stalling US-brokered peace negotiations. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently accused Kyiv, allegedly supported by Western intelligence, of attempting to sabotage the peace process by threatening critical energy infrastructure, including the Druzhba oil pipeline. These allegations come as the Trump administration intensifies its push for a mediated settlement through its newly proposed "Board of Peace".

What we know now

On February 24, 2026, Putin stated that strengthening the defense of strategic objects is "vital" amid alleged Ukrainian threats. Meanwhile, trilateral talks in Geneva and Abu Dhabi have failed to reach a breakthrough, with both sides remaining deadlocked over territorial concessions.

• Russia's Stance: Insists on the full cession of the Donbas region.

• Ukraine's Stance: Rejects any territorial "betrayal" of wartime sacrifices.

• US Stance: Trump has reportedly pressured Zelenskyy to agree to a "land swap" to freeze the conflict.

Key details: The "Sabotage" Narrative

The Kremlin is systematically using claims of "political sabotage" and physical threats to undermine international support for Kyiv.

1. Pipeline Allegations: Russia claims Ukrainian drones targeted the Druzhba pipeline network to leverage energy supply against European states like Hungary and Slovakia.

2. Board of Peace Challenges: Russia and China have refused to sign the charter for Trump's "Board of Peace," citing concerns over its centralized executive authority.

3. Election Pressure: The US has reportedly threatened to withdraw security guarantees unless Ukraine holds national elections by May 2026—a move currently illegal under Ukrainian martial law.

Context: The "Bad Faith" Strategy

Analysts suggest that Moscow’s sabotage claims are a "delay tactic" designed to play for time while Russian forces continue their slow, grinding advance in eastern Ukraine. By framing Ukraine as the aggressor against global energy security, Russia aims to create friction between Kyiv and its European partners who are still dependent on Russian oil imports. This follows the "indigenisation" of narrative warfare where Russia portrays its maximalist demands as the only "reasonable" path to stability.

Impact: A Strained European Alliance

The shift in US policy has forced European leaders to step up their independent support for Ukraine.

• Coalition of the Willing: Countries like Poland and the UK are pushing back against "peace at any price," fearing it would only embolden future Kremlin aggression.

• Economic Setbacks: Disagreements over a 20th package of sanctions indicate growing fatigue and "political sabotage" within the EU, particularly from Hungary.

What next

The next round of talks is tentatively scheduled for late February 2026 in Geneva. Key indicators of progress will include:

• Whether Trump provides a long-term "security guarantee" to Kyiv to counter Russian stalling.

• The outcome of the US delegation's visit to Moscow to discuss the 28-point peace plan.

Bigger signal

The disruption of the peace talks signals a deeper structural failure in current global mediation frameworks. Russia’s rejection of the "Board of Peace" and its use of tactical disinformation suggest that Moscow is not ready for a "just" peace, but rather a "state of non-peace" that permanently destabilizes Europe. For the Trump administration, the challenge remains whether "peace through strength" can overcome a Kremlin strategy predicated on bad-faith negotiations and systematic delay.

FAQ

1. Why is Russia accusing Ukraine of sabotage? To frame Kyiv as a threat to European energy security and stall US-led peace negotiations.

2. What is the Druzhba pipeline? A major network carrying Russian oil to Europe; it has recently become a flashpoint in the conflict.

3. What is Trump's "Board of Peace"? A proposed international structure with chairman-level veto power, intended to replace "ineffective" UN mechanisms.

4. Will Ukraine cede the Donbas? President Zelenskyy has stated that territorial concessions would be a "betrayal" that the Ukrainian people would never forgive.

5. What are the "red lines" for Zelenskyy? Full sovereignty, a comprehensive ceasefire before elections, and effective security guarantees.

6. Why is the US pushing for elections in May 2026? To establish what it views as a "legitimate" government to finalize a peace deal, despite the illegal nature of wartime elections in Ukraine.