Ukrainian legislator cautions that Putin has no interest in peace

A Ukrainian parliamentarian warned CBS News that President Trump should not treat peace negotiations with Russia as if they were business transactions. She emphasized that the U.S. leader must "realize he cannot negotiate with Putin" while Russia continues its aggressive war, now approaching its fourth year.

Lisa Yasko, a member of Ukraine's legislature aligned with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's party, spoke after high-level discussions in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff failed to produce meaningful results. Yasko attributed the lack of progress to Putin's limited interest in pursuing peace.

"Putin appeared cheerful during the meeting with Witkoff, but this was never truly about peace," Yasko remarked. "His goal is to project geopolitical influence, to demonstrate power, and to improve his image internationally."

She added that transactional diplomacy has limits. "President Trump can be pragmatic, which is positive in certain contexts, but peace cannot be achieved through economic incentives alone. There are boundaries that should not be crossed when dealing with an aggressor."

The Moscow talks, which included Jared Kushner, were part of a U.S. effort to advance a peace plan initially proposed by the Trump administration. The original 28-point plan faced pushback from Ukraine and European partners, particularly over suggestions that Kyiv cede territory to Russia, and was subsequently revised during discussions.

Following the five-hour meeting, Putin's adviser Yuri Ushakov described the talks as "useful and substantive," but acknowledged that they did not bring the parties closer to resolving the Ukraine crisis. He noted that much work remained.

Yasko indicated that Putin's intentions go beyond stalling. "He seeks to reshape the global order, positioning Russia as a central power alongside China and the U.S. Offering him economic benefits in exchange for peace is reckless from Ukraine's perspective," she said.

Before the discussions, Putin accused European allies of obstructing American mediation efforts and stated that while Russia does not seek conflict with Europe, it remains "ready for war."

Yasko called on President Trump to witness firsthand the devastation caused by Russia's invasion. "He should come to Ukraine to see the reality here, to meet the people affected," she urged.

She described the peace proposal offered by the U.S. as "insulting" to Ukraine. European leaders have warned that granting Russia concessions for a ceasefire could set a dangerous precedent, potentially encouraging further aggression. Meanwhile, NATO allies have reported Russian airspace violations and sabotage campaigns against key infrastructure.

Author: Noah Whitman