2026-03-15 23:09
Russia’s appeal to foreign nationals continues to decline rapidly as its full-scale war in Ukraine continues. Recent data indicates that the Kremlin’s approval rating, based on this metric, is at its lowest point in the last 15 years. This shift in international perception comes as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled.
Moscow reacted with blunt language to a French proposal to include European nations in potential peace negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine, according to reports from Delfi. The proposal, which would see the European Union join the United States, Ukraine, and Russia at the negotiating table, has the backing of Kyiv, but faces strong opposition from the Kremlin.
Sources cited by Financial Times revealed that during a February visit to Moscow by French presidential security advisors Emmanuel Bonne and Bertrand Buchwalter, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, responded dismissively to the idea of European involvement.
“The response from Ushakov was essentially: ‘Sorry, but no, we don’t want that, head away…,’” a high-ranking European diplomat told the publication. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Europeans, in his view, “do not want to facilitate the peace process,” and that the French representatives did not bring any “positive signals” to Moscow.
Europe is increasingly seeking renewed contact with President Putin, with French President Emmanuel Macron suggesting such talks could occur “in the coming weeks.” Macron’s chief diplomatic advisor, Emmanuel Bonne, recently visited Moscow for confidential meetings with Russian officials.
Meanwhile, peace talks with Ukraine are reportedly stalled, as the Kremlin has shown no willingness to compromise, according to 15min. Sources indicate that President Putin has largely refrained from directly criticizing former U.S. President Trump, likely in an effort to avoid further U.S. Support for Ukraine.
The lack of progress in negotiations underscores the challenges facing international efforts to de-escalate the conflict and locate a lasting resolution.
Lrytas reports that the Kremlin has stated Ukraine is running out of time to accept Moscow’s peace terms, suggesting Kyiv’s position is deteriorating daily.
