Kremlin addresses Ukraine talks, Western policies, US weapons
5 Min Read
Kremlin says prisoner exchanges with Ukraine continue, while Moscow awaits proposals for new talks and criticizes foreign troop presence and EU war funding.
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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov visits the Russian-Chinese EXPO in Harbin in northeastern China's Heilongjiang Province, on Friday, May 17, 2024 (AP)
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that the process of prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine is still ongoing, emphasizing that efforts are currently being made to facilitate these exchanges.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that negotiations between Russia and Ukraine would not proceed at this time, explaining that the previously agreed-upon exchanges from earlier rounds of talks have not yet been finalized.
“The [exchange] process continues, and this work is ongoing,” Peskov told journalists.
Russia awaiting Ukrainian proposal for negotiations date
The Kremlin's spokesperson announced at a press briefing that Russia is still waiting for proposals regarding the date for the next round of negotiations.
"Here I repeat once again ... we are waiting for proposals from the Ukrainian side on the timing of the continuation of rounds of bilateral direct negotiations," Peskov said to journalists.
Foreign Presence in Ukraine unacceptable
On the topic of foreign deployments, Peskov decried the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine, echoing Russia's long-standing position on the matter.
During the briefing, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized Moscow's stance that the presence of foreign military forces in Ukraine, particularly near Russia's borders, is considered unacceptable, stating that "the deployment of foreign military contingents on the territory of Ukraine near our borders is unacceptable for us."
Peskov further remarked that the "persistence" of European leaders in deploying military personnel to Ukraine "fits in the general outline of the current militaristic, confrontational, and anti-Russian sentiments," while addressing the broader context of escalating tensions.
"Indeed, we are very disappointed that the absolutely clear and consistent signals that are being sent from Moscow in this regard are not being taken into account and not being understood," Peskov added.
Europe is pushing the war to the last Ukrainian: Peskov
Regarding Europe's plans for Ukraine, Peskov stated that European discussions about financial support for Ukraine aim to push Kiev toward continuing what he described as the "war to the last Ukrainian."
"The Europeans are discussing various options for Ukraine's financial support in order to encourage them to continue the war at all costs. We call it a war to the last Ukrainian," Peskov stated, explaining that European nations are committing to regularly providing substantial financial assistance amounting to tens of billions of euros, framing it as their preferred approach to sustain Ukraine, with these funds ultimately coming from European taxpayers.
Peskov stated that this approach is what Europe views as an option, while highlighting that an option the continent is missing is dialogue based on mutual respect with Russia, something that Europe does not discuss as an alternative to war.
"Mr. [German Chancellor Friedrich] Merz is such a fierce advocate of confrontation in everything with Russia. And, of course, the aggressive mobilization of Europe. We see it, we understand it, we know it, and we take it into account in our future actions," Peskov added.
Russia is waiting to see Trump's major announcement
The Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is waiting to see what US President Donald Trump meant by his promised "major statement" on July 14.
Earlier Friday, Reuters reported, citing sources, that Trump may use presidential authority to send Ukraine additional US weapons stockpiles valued at $300 million, with Trump later telling NBC News he would make a significant Russia-related announcement Monday without disclosing specifics.
Peskov informed reporters that "we are waiting for the statement itself to understand what President Trump meant," while noting that Moscow is attentively analyzing all subtleties in Trump's remarks.
On the topic of US weapons sales to NATO, Peskov described Washington's plan to sell weapons to NATO countries, which will in turn supply Ukraine, is business, and it will not change the situation.
"This is a business, the order of addition does not change the sum. Ukraine is still being pumped with weapons," the spokesperson told reporters.
Russia, France, and the Arctic
Commenting on France's defense strategy, Peskov told reporters that there is no need to fight in the region, but there is a need to cooperate.
Earlier, the French Defense Ministry released an Arctic defense strategy on Thursday, outlining plans to enhance the nation's military and political presence in the region while boosting defense capabilities for operational readiness.
"You know, definitely, that there is no need to fight in the Arctic. It is necessary to cooperate in the Arctic, and indeed, the Arctic should be a territory of cooperation," the Kremlin spokesperson told reporters, emphasizing that Russia is adamant in defending its interests in the Arctic.
Peskov added that Russia maintains legitimate interests in the Arctic and continues developing these territories while cooperating with other nations in the region.
