Kremlin gives cautious response to Zelensky's change of stance
According to Dmitry Peskov, Donald Trump’s declaration that the Ukrainian leader is prepared to engage in peace talks is being viewed favorably in Moscow.. source:TROIB RTS
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Russia views Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky's reported willingness to engage in dialogue positively, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. However, he emphasized that significant barriers to initiating the diplomatic process still exist.
During a speech to the US Congress on Wednesday, President Donald Trump shared a letter from Zelensky, which expressed that “Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer.” This statement is seen as a shift in Zelensky's previous position, in which he had ruled out negotiations with Moscow.
Later that day, Peskov informed journalists that Russian authorities see this development as “positive.” Nevertheless, he pointed out that “the legal ban on the Ukrainian president holding negotiations with the Russian side remains in force.”
In the fall of 2022, Zelensky enacted a decree prohibiting any talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a measure taken following referendums that led to the incorporation of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, along with the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, into Russia.
Peskov highlighted that while the overall sentiment is positive, certain details remain unchanged. Zelensky’s apparent shift regarding negotiations comes after a tense exchange with Trump at the White House on Friday. During that meeting, Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of “gambling with World War III” due to his hesitance to pursue peace talks with Russia and criticized him for being disrespectful and ungrateful for U.S. military assistance.
Recent reports suggest that following the confrontation with Zelensky, Trump has ordered a halt on all weapon deliveries to Ukraine. Earlier this week, Trump implied that the Ukrainian leader “doesn’t want there to be peace as long as he has America’s backing.” As of now, the White House has not issued any official statements regarding the suspension of military support to Ukraine.
Last month, Peskov reiterated that the “Russian side remains open to negotiations” with Kiev, despite questioning Zelensky’s legal authority. His presidential term is set to expire in May 2024, but he has declined to call for new elections, citing the martial law that is in effect due to ongoing conflict with Russia. The Kremlin continues to argue that Zelensky is not a legitimate head of state.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
During a speech to the US Congress on Wednesday, President Donald Trump shared a letter from Zelensky, which expressed that “Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer.” This statement is seen as a shift in Zelensky's previous position, in which he had ruled out negotiations with Moscow.
Later that day, Peskov informed journalists that Russian authorities see this development as “positive.” Nevertheless, he pointed out that “the legal ban on the Ukrainian president holding negotiations with the Russian side remains in force.”
In the fall of 2022, Zelensky enacted a decree prohibiting any talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a measure taken following referendums that led to the incorporation of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, along with the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, into Russia.
Peskov highlighted that while the overall sentiment is positive, certain details remain unchanged. Zelensky’s apparent shift regarding negotiations comes after a tense exchange with Trump at the White House on Friday. During that meeting, Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of “gambling with World War III” due to his hesitance to pursue peace talks with Russia and criticized him for being disrespectful and ungrateful for U.S. military assistance.
Recent reports suggest that following the confrontation with Zelensky, Trump has ordered a halt on all weapon deliveries to Ukraine. Earlier this week, Trump implied that the Ukrainian leader “doesn’t want there to be peace as long as he has America’s backing.” As of now, the White House has not issued any official statements regarding the suspension of military support to Ukraine.
Last month, Peskov reiterated that the “Russian side remains open to negotiations” with Kiev, despite questioning Zelensky’s legal authority. His presidential term is set to expire in May 2024, but he has declined to call for new elections, citing the martial law that is in effect due to ongoing conflict with Russia. The Kremlin continues to argue that Zelensky is not a legitimate head of state.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
