Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia criticizes Putin following inconclusive discussion with Trump | Australian News

Russian President Vladimir Putin remains determined to “revive the Soviet Union” by “destroying democracy next door,” according to Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia following Putin’s recent meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska. The meeting, which lasted nearly three hours, concluded with both leaders stating that progress had been made on a potential deal to end Russia’s conflict with Ukraine but fell short of a formal peace agreement. Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, explains that Putin’s view on the “root cause” of the conflict is the existence of an independent, sovereign, and democratic Ukraine. Myroshnychenko emphasizes that Putin’s agenda involves integrating Ukraine back into Russia, dismissing the notion of an independent Ukraine. Despite the meeting being seen as a positive step, the ambassador underscores that a lasting peace cannot be negotiated without Ukraine’s direct involvement. The discussion, originally planned as a one-on-one meeting, was expanded to include other officials from both sides.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/16/putin-criticised-by-ukraines-ambassador-to-australia-after-inconclusive-meeting-with-trump