The Kremlin remains open to peace negotiations with Ukraine but emphasizes that achieving its strategic objectives remains the top priority, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. His statement comes shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a warning to Moscow, setting a deadline to agree to a ceasefire or face harsher sanctions.
Peskov, speaking on Russian state television, reiterated that President Vladimir Putin supports a peaceful resolution to the conflict but stressed the complexity and long-term nature of the process. “President Putin has consistently expressed his desire for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine,” Peskov told reporter Pavel Zarubin. “However, this will take time and determination. What matters most is achieving our clearly defined goals.”
Despite these claims, Russia continues to escalate its aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities. Analysts note a sharp increase in drone strikes, with recent activity surpassing the monthly totals seen in parts of 2024. This escalation suggests an intensifying military campaign.
Russia maintains that any peace deal must include Ukraine’s withdrawal from the four territories that Moscow unilaterally annexed in 2022—regions it still does not fully control. Additionally, the Kremlin demands that Ukraine abandon its ambitions to join NATO and impose strict limitations on its military capabilities—conditions that Kyiv and its Western allies categorically reject.
In response to Russia’s stance, Trump, on July 14, announced plans to impose sweeping tariffs on Russia if a peace agreement is not reached within 50 days. He offered few specifics but indicated that the sanctions would likely target Russia’s global trade partners, aiming to deepen the country’s economic isolation.
Trump also unveiled a revitalized arms transfer program for Ukraine, pledging to funnel substantial quantities of U.S. military equipment to European allies, who would then supply Ukraine. Among the planned shipments are Patriot missile defense systems, which are critical to countering Russia’s continued drone and missile assaults.
Although Trump has faced skepticism over his commitment to Ukraine—especially after the Pentagon temporarily halted arms shipments due to stockpile concerns—his latest statements suggest a shift toward a more aggressive stance against Moscow.
