Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov recently affirmed that Russia always prioritizes resolving the conflict with Ukraine through diplomatic channels.
Despite repeatedly expressing his goodwill for dialogue, Mr. Peskov noted that the negotiations are still unlikely to achieve real results as Ukraine has repeatedly rejected all proposals made by Russia. According to him, Kiev maintains this stance partly due to receiving both financial and military support from its Western allies.
For that reason, Russia has no choice but to continue its special military campaign, Peskov stressed; asserting that Moscow will eventually achieve its set goals and protect its national security interests.
According to observers, Peskov's statement shows that military aid from the West is at risk of counterproduction. Instead of giving Kiev an advantage, prolonging the war could make the Ukrainian economy muddy and more exhausted.
The Kremlin spokesman added that Russia highly appreciated US President Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts in seeking a peaceful solution.
Mr. Peskov expressed his hope that "the influence of the US and the diplomatic skills of President Trump's special advisers will help encourage the Ukrainian side to be more proactive and more ready for the peace process".
Mr. Peskov made this statement in response to French President Emmanuel Macron, who recently warned on the X network that Russia would have to pay the price if it refused to show goodwill to negotiate.
Russia has repeatedly affirmed its readiness for dialogue with Ukraine. The two sides were getting very close to an agreement in Istanbul (Türkiye) in early 2022, but Moscow said Kiev had retreated after Western countries encouraged it to continue fighting.
Since then, Russian officials have maintained the view that neither Kiev nor the European countries supporting Ukraine really want to end the conflict, accusing them of delaying negotiations by repeatedly making changes and ignoring Russia's proposals.
