The spokesperson for the Russian presidency (Kremlin), Dmitry Peskov, stated yesterday that European nations are hindering efforts to steer the Ukrainian settlement process towards a peaceful resolution.
He commented, “The Europeans are obstructing these efforts for a Ukrainian settlement and are imposing obstacles along the way,” as reported by the Russian news agency Sputnik.
Peskov praised former U.S. President Donald Trump for his initiatives aimed at advancing the peace process, noting, “The efforts of Trump to promote the political process towards a peaceful resolution are invaluable, and we express our gratitude for these actions.”
In response to remarks made by European leaders, he claimed that the confronting European side “maintains its prevailing stance and remains unyielding,” adding that this stands in stark contrast to the approach taken by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump.
Peskov stated that European representatives have long endeavored to contain Russia through all possible means, but Moscow is aware of how to counter such actions.
He elaborated, “They have long set for themselves a ‘historical goal’ of containing Russia by any means possible. This is a familiar direction for us, and we already know how to respond to it.”
Absurd Encouragement
Peskov clarified that Russia remains positioned and willing to resolve the conflict in Ukraine through political and diplomatic means.
Furthermore, he pointed out that Europeans are absurdly encouraging Kyiv to maintain its obstinacy.
He confirmed, “The special military operation will continue as long as Moscow does not observe any reciprocity from Kyiv in its efforts to resolve the issue politically and diplomatically.” He continued, “We are prepared to solve the problem through political and diplomatic channels, but so far, we do not see any reaction from Kyiv, and we will continue with the special military operation.”
In Berlin, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his belief that the war in Ukraine will endure for a prolonged time because wars typically conclude through military defeat or economic exhaustion, neither of which appears likely for Kyiv or Moscow at this point of view.
Merz made these comments just a day before a deadline set by Trump for a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents to pave the way for peace talks, warning of “consequences” if the meeting does not take place.
He mentioned in an interview with ZDF television, “I am preparing myself for this war to last a long time.”
In the meantime, President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to launch more attacks deep into Russian territory in retaliation for drone strikes targeting electricity facilities in northern and southern Ukraine the night before, which left around 60,000 homes and buildings without power.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that it shot down 126 out of 142 drones launched by Russia during the nighttime air raid targeting northern, southern, and eastern parts of the country.
The statement indicated that the attack was successfully repelled. In response, Interfax news agency quoted the Russian Defense Ministry stating that Russia had downed 112 Ukrainian drones in the past 24 hours and targeted military-use infrastructure in Ukrainian ports.