Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that Europe and Russia will eventually have to restore dialogue, even as Moscow noted Ukraine’s decision to end negotiations and warned that Kiev’s stance is worsening with each passing day.

Speaking to reporters, Peskov said, “Europe and Russia will have to establish a dialogue sooner or later,” echoing remarks made a day earlier by Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who predicted that communication between Moscow and Europe would eventually be restored.

“Here, probably yes, one cannot disagree, this will have to be done sooner or later,” Peskov said.

However, he described Stubb’s position as “uncharacteristic", noting that “judging by his public statements, he has always belonged to the camp of flamboyant militarists.”

The Kremlin spokesperson cautioned against interpreting Stubb’s comment as evidence of a wider shift in Europe’s position toward Russia, saying there is “no trend” yet to suggest such a change.

Russia really wants peace

Peskov also addressed Ukraine’s recent statements confirming the termination of talks with Russia, after the Times cited Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya as saying that negotiations had been suspended.

“We also paid attention to this statement. They are important,” Peskov said, stressing that the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry’s declaration “de facto formalizes Kiev’s refusal to engage in dialogue.”

“Russia really wants peace. Russia is open to resolving the Ukrainian problem by political and diplomatic means,” he affirmed, warning that Ukraine “will have to negotiate from a much worse position if it refuses dialogue with Russia.”

Peskov added that the conduct of Kiev’s representatives during talks left little to commend, remarking that “Kiev negotiators have nothing to brag about in terms of respecting the rules of diplomacy and good manners.”

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'Kiev’s positions deteriorating day by day'

The Kremlin spokesperson underlined that Ukraine’s situation is rapidly worsening on the ground.

"The positions of the Kiev regime are deteriorating day by day,” he said, reiterating that Russia would continue its military operation “until the goals set by the president are achieved,” given the lack of opportunity to pursue further dialogue.

Putin’s 'direct line' date set

Peskov also confirmed that preparations are underway for President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming annual Q&A session.

“The date has been set, and active preparations are underway. We will share all the details in due course,” he said.

Commenting on Russia’s strategic priorities, Peskov emphasized that “our most important thing is to ensure our security, protect our interests, ensure our security for future generations, and fulfill the tasks that lie before us.”

On possible US nuclear tests

Addressing remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said President Donald Trump’s pledge to resume nuclear testing aimed to verify weapons safety, Peskov warned that such a move would effectively end a decades-long moratorium.

“If we consider this confirmation that the US is withdrawing from the test ban, then it is a confirmation of these intentions,” he explained.

“Because testing a nuclear weapon means, in essence, that this rather long period during which the comprehensive ban on nuclear testing was in effect will be interrupted,” he underscored.

He recalled that Putin has repeatedly stated that if other countries conduct nuclear tests, “Russia will act accordingly.”

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