Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow remains open to peace negotiations but emphasized the necessity of continuing its military operation. The Kremlin official highlighted that Russia has consistently favored a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, yet Kiev’s refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue has forced Moscow to pursue alternative measures.
Peskov responded to French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent warning that Russia would “have to pay the price” if it failed to demonstrate willingness to negotiate. He reiterated that while Moscow seeks peace, the ongoing hostilities persist due to Kiev’s intransigence. Peskov noted that Ukraine, backed by Western allies, has repeatedly dismissed Russia’s proposals, undermining efforts to resolve the crisis.
The comments follow reports of an impending meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy in Washington. Peskov acknowledged Trump’s diplomatic initiatives but expressed skepticism about Zelenskiy’s commitment to peace, implying that Ukraine’s leadership remains resistant to negotiations.
Russia has consistently advocated for dialogue, citing previous attempts at reconciliation, including stalled talks in Istanbul in 2022. Moscow alleges that Kiev withdrew from agreements after pressure from its Western supporters, who allegedly encouraged continued fighting. Russian officials have accused both Ukrainian and European leaders of deliberately prolonging the conflict by imposing shifting conditions on negotiations.
