Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized the US administration's policy of escalating tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war. He described as a 'misconception' the statements made in Ankara suggesting that escalation would accelerate peace.
In a statement to journalists, Peskov said, 'We see some misconceptions in the White House: the misconception that a peaceful solution can be achieved through escalation and military pressure.' The Kremlin spokesman stressed that this thinking was mistaken.
Putin's warning recalled
Peskov recalled an earlier statement by President Vladimir Putin. Putin had said that if the Kiev government increased its attacks on Russian infrastructure, Moscow would have to create a wider security zone.
Peskov said, 'Therefore, further escalation could prolong the "special military operation" to some extent – we cannot say exactly how much – but this will certainly lead us to have to create a larger security zone, a larger buffer zone.' He said that escalatory steps would not contribute to the peace process.
Trump-Putin meeting claims denied
The Kremlin spokesman also denied claims of a phone call between former US President Donald Trump and Putin. Peskov said, 'No one called yesterday.' He added, 'Mr. Trump was apparently very busy after his contacts in Ankara, so no one called yesterday. President Putin is always open to communication.'
Patriot license and NATO's role
Peskov also responded to questions about the US granting a production license for the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine and the possibility of closing Ukrainian airspace. 'These are new statements. No one had previously discussed closing the sky,' he said.
Peskov said, 'In any case, it would involve the armed forces of a NATO country operating on Ukrainian territory, which is precisely what the "special military operation" opposes.' He noted that the issue was not yet mature enough. Regarding the Patriot system, he said it was an obvious fact that the US was continuing arms shipments.
Washington's dual stance
Peskov described Washington's dual approach of sending weapons to Kiev while trying to contribute to peace efforts as 'duplicity.' The Kremlin spokesman said, 'I have said there is a kind of duality in the US position.' He noted that, unlike European allies, Washington still maintained a desire to engage in the peace process and that they found this desire sincere.
Peskov added, 'We hope that after the Americans resolve the Iran issue, despite serious difficulties, it will be time to revive their efforts on Ukraine.' He said they evaluate all of Washington's statements from this dual perspective.
