Amid missiles and diplomacy, Russia is exploiting western divisions over Ukraine

As Russia intensifies its military pressure and diplomatic manoeuvring, European leaders find themselves increasingly at odds with Washington over how to pursue peace

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For days, officials across Europe scrambled to hastily planned meetings, hashing out details on frantic calls and hours-long negotiations. But after a tumultuous few weeks, capped off by the Russian president warning that his country was ready for war with Europe, peace in Ukraine appears to be no closer.

Instead, what has seemingly been laid bare is the glaring clash of views underpinning the peace process.