Russia stated on Thursday that the United States is mistaken in believing that deep Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory could help end the war, which has lasted more than four years, and warned that such actions could actually prolong it.
Speaking at a NATO summit in Turkey on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that it is becoming increasingly difficult for Russia to defend its airspace. He expressed hope that this would create more opportunities for negotiations to end the war. US President Donald Trump stated: “This is an escalation, but it is also an escalation that could help bring it to an end.”
In response to their statements, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists that the White House has “certain misconceptions… regarding the idea that escalation and military pressure can pave the way for a peaceful settlement.” He called this a false premise, adding that what Russia refers to as its “special military operation” in Ukraine could last longer as a result.
Kremlin’s position on escalation
Peskov stated that escalation would necessitate Russia creating a larger security zone—a “larger buffer zone.” He emphasized that inflaming tensions and actions that contribute to escalation would not aid the peace process.
Three sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters that President Vladimir Putin rejects calls for peace negotiations with Kyiv. Recent Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and ports have strengthened his resolve to continue fighting for the time being.
Two of these sources noted that Putin is likely to escalate the conflict instead. One source, who regularly meets with the president, described a “high probability” of escalation in the coming months.
Assessment of arms supplies and US mediation
When asked about Trump’s decision to allow Ukraine to produce Patriot air defense interceptors under license, Peskov said that Moscow has no illusions about US arms supplies to Kyiv. He noted that Russia is “not looking at the situation through rose-colored glasses,” and President Putin “fully realizes this.”
At the same time, Peskov noted “a certain duality” in the US position: unlike the Europeans, the United States “retains a desire to help advance the peace process.” He added that they “may be mistaken or wrong at times, but this desire seems sincere to us.”
Trump’s efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine have stalled in recent months as Washington has focused on the war with Iran. Peskov confirmed that the Kremlin hopes for the resumption of US mediation once the crisis in the Middle East is resolved.
