Trump and Putin recently spoke by phone on June 14 after Israel struck Iran’s nuclear facilities. The Russian leader said he was ready to continue negotiations with the Ukrainians after June 22, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. 

Peace talks in Istanbul have failed to produce much other than prisoner of war exchanges as Putin doubles down on his maximalist demands. 

Kuleba said the best thing for Europe to do as negotiations stall is to continue producing and buying weapons, not only for Ukraine, but also for itself.

People watch the clearing of rubble in a destroyed five-story residential building on Jun. 24, 2025, in Kyiv, Ukraine. Rescuers have finished clearing the rubble at the site of a Russian missile strike on a five-story residential building in the Shevchenkivskyi district of Kyiv. (Andrew Kravchenko/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

“For decades, Europe was relying on the United States and was going back and forth with Washington, checking every decision they were going to make, but it’s just not sustainable anymore,” he explained. “They have to learn how to take care of themselves, sorry to say it. The sooner they do it, the better for them, us and everyone else.”

“You cannot build your life knowing that America is paying for my security, Russian gas is paying for my cheap energy prices and [the] socialism that I’m building. And Chinese minerals [are] allowing me to — are paying for my industrial growths. It’s not sustainable. You cannot depend on one player in the most critical fundamentals for your life,” he added.

The European Union proposed an 18th sanctions package against Russia in June, targeting its energy and banking sectors. 

EU Commission vice-president, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas (L) and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen (R) talk to the media. (Thierry Monasse/Getty Images)

“We want peace for Ukraine. Despite weeks of diplomatic attempts, despite President Zelenskyy’s offer of an unconditional ceasefire, Russia continues to bring death and destruction to Ukraine,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas in a joint statement.

“Russia’s goal is not peace, it is to impose the rule of might. Therefore, we are ramping up pressure on Russia. Because strength is the only language that Russia will understand.”