- Moscow Says Trump Is Genuine About Seeking Peace but Blames Kyiv and European Allies for Stalled Negotiations
MOSCOW: Russia believes US President Donald Trump is sincere in his efforts to end the war in Ukraine and remains open to considering new peace proposals from Washington, the Kremlin said on Friday, while reaffirming that Russian forces will continue military operations until Moscow achieves its stated objectives.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would maintain diplomatic engagement with the United States despite what he described as Washington’s contradictory approach of advocating peace while continuing to supply weapons to Ukraine.
Russia to Continue Military Campaign
Speaking to Russian state television, Peskov said military action was not Moscow’s preferred course but insisted it would continue in the absence of viable prospects for a negotiated settlement.
“Yes, fighting is not the preferred path, but given the absence of prospects for peace, we will see it through to the end, to total victory. Yet, we will wait for new US proposals,” Peskov said.
His remarks indicate that while Russia remains receptive to renewed diplomatic initiatives, it has no intention of halting military operations unless meaningful progress is made toward a settlement.
Kremlin Praises Trump’s Diplomatic Efforts
Peskov said President Trump and his negotiating team were making genuine efforts to develop a peace framework acceptable to all parties.
According to the Kremlin spokesman, Russia accepted a previous US-backed proposal, but Ukraine rejected it.
“The Americans — President Trump and his negotiators — are sincere in their desire to formulate options acceptable to everyone. The option they proposed was accepted by us but rejected by the Ukrainians,” Peskov said.
He further alleged that European allies had encouraged Kyiv to reject the proposal.
“The Americans could not persuade the Ukrainians, who were being incited by the Europeans,” he added.
Moscow Hopes US Mediation Will Resume
The last trilateral peace talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States were held in February, shortly before the outbreak of the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
The Kremlin has repeatedly expressed hope that US-led mediation efforts will resume following a reduction in tensions in the Middle East.
Earlier this week, senior US and Russian diplomats held a brief meeting during regional events in Asia. Moscow has also stated for several weeks that it is prepared to host President Trump’s envoys for further negotiations in the Russian capital, although no timetable has been announced.
Kremlin Criticizes Continued US Arms Supplies
While welcoming Washington’s stated commitment to diplomacy, Peskov criticized the United States for continuing military assistance to Ukraine, describing the policy as inconsistent.
He said Russia would seek to make use of any diplomatic opportunities that align with its national interests.
“The United States is continuing to pump Ukraine full of weaponry while simultaneously talking about ending the war. However, we must leverage this duality in the Trump administration’s position wherever it aligns with our interests. Their desire to facilitate a peaceful settlement is entirely in line with our interests,” Peskov said.
Diplomatic Channels Remain Open
Despite ongoing hostilities, the Kremlin’s latest comments suggest that Moscow remains interested in maintaining dialogue with Washington and is prepared to consider fresh US initiatives aimed at ending the conflict, even as fighting on the battlefield continues.
BY: The Times Union
