Beyond the craziness of the conspiracy, however, the leaders’ visit had a real goal: to put more pressure on Vladimir Putin.
When European unity becomes inconvenient, disinformation goes so far as to make a simple tissue look like drugs.
This fake news is being spread by France’s enemies, both abroad and at home. We must remain vigilant against manipulation. pic.twitter.com/xyXhGm9Dsr
— Élysée (@Elysee) May 11, 2025
To present a unified front and insist that Russia commit to a ceasefire, they met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The West threatened to increase pressure even more if Putin didn’t comply.
The Kremlin took the warning seriously, as was to be expected.In his characteristically direct response,
Putin’s close supporter Dmitry Medvedev instructed the European leaders to “shove these peace plans.”
However, the tone changed noticeably by early Sunday morning.Putin abruptly declared, “We are committed to serious negotiations with Ukraine,” indicating his willingness to resume peace talks.
