Russia’s President Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, announced that Ukraine’s continued refusal to engage in peaceful negotiations has led to Russia’s decision to continue its special military operation (SMO). Peskov’s statement, reported by RIA Novosti, highlights the absence of any meaningful progress in the peace process initiated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which excludes Russia’s involvement.
Peskov expressed his perplexity at the unusual process of discussing a vague peace formula without Russia’s participation, stating, “There is only a legally binding refusal from Kiev to negotiate. Since there are no negotiations taking place, Russia has no choice but to continue its SMO.”
This statement comes shortly after Peskov commented on the European Union’s financial assistance to Ukraine, emphasizing that it would not bring about any changes in the ongoing conflict. According to the spokesperson, regional cooperation has been hindered by the support provided to Kiev, resulting in internal challenges.
Earlier, Peskov had stated that Putin is only open to negotiations if they align with the objectives of the SMO.
The situation in Ukraine remains tense as Russia maintains its military presence and Ukraine rejects peace talks, raising concerns about the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The international community continues to closely monitor the developments in the region, urging both sides to prioritize dialogue and diplomatic solutions.
