Kremlin Declares Putin Will Consider Peace with Ukraine Only After Achieving Russia’s Ambitions

Russia is open to discussing peace with Ukraine but insists on meeting its goals first, so says Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. This statement comes after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a 50-day ultimatum to Russia: agree to a ceasefire or face harsher sanctions.

Russian officials consistently deny claims from Ukraine and its Western allies that they are dragging out peace talks. At the same time, Moscow has increased its drone attacks on Ukrainian cities significantly, launching more drones in one night than it did in some entire months earlier in 2024. Analysts warn that these attacks are unlikely to decrease anytime soon.

Peskov emphasized that President Vladimir Putin hopes for a swift end to the conflict but acknowledged that reaching a peaceful resolution is a complex task. The Kremlin’s demands include Ukraine renouncing its NATO ambitions and withdrawing from regions that Russia annexed in 2022 but has not fully controlled. Naturally, Ukraine, supported by its allies, has rejected these terms.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently suggested resuming peace talks, but Russian media reported no date has been set, though Istanbul is likely the venue once again.

Trump’s stance has hardened recently, proposing steep tariffs on Russia if a peace agreement isn’t reached soon. He also mentioned that European nations would purchase significant amounts of U.S. military equipment to aid Ukraine, including critical air defense systems necessary to counter ongoing drone and missile attacks.

The Pentagon’s recent decisions to pause shipments have raised questions about the U.S.’s commitment to sustaining Ukraine’s defense. This tension underscores how global dynamics are shifting as countries navigate the crisis.

On the frontline, Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down a significant number of drones, but casualties continue. Recently, several civilians were injured in drone strikes in different Ukrainian regions, making clear the costly human toll of the conflict.

Russia claimed it intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones targeting its territory, with one drone even hitting a residential building near Moscow, though there were no reported injuries.

As the war continues, public sentiments are mixed. Many social media users express frustration over the prolonged conflict and the toll it has taken on both nations. This ongoing situation highlights the complexities of international relations and the search for a balanced resolution to conflict.

For further details on this ongoing conflict and related analyses, you can check resources such as PBS NewsHour.

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