War in Ukraine - The Kremlin praises Zelenskyy and awaits a new US policy
The Kremlin has expressed positivity towards the recent statements of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky regarding possible negotiations between the two countries regarding the war. "This is certainly better than statements that any contact with the Russian side and the Russian leader are excluded," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in Moscow. "It's much better to speak in some tone of dialogue than to speak about the intention to fight until the last Ukrainian."
Zelensky had previously stated in an interview with the BBC that he could speak with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, despite having self-excluded him by decree. Zelensky confirmed in the interview his readiness to negotiate with Russian representatives at a new peace summit. "And whether it's Putin or not makes no difference," he said.
Peskov noted that it remains to be seen what exactly lies behind Zelensky's statements. Russia had rejected participation in a peace summit organized by Zelensky and also questioned his legitimacy as President. In response to the Russian annexation of Ukrainian territories of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk in the fall of 2022, Zelensky declared negotiations with Putin impossible by decree.
Peskov: "Nothing good to expect from Biden"
Peskov also made it clear, as he had already indicated in the night, that Russia is waiting and observing the US with regard to the Russian-American relationship. As long as Biden remains in office, there will be no change in US support for Ukraine, which will prolong the war. "There's nothing good to expect," Peskov said. "That doesn't lead to a solution in the conflict over Ukraine." For Russia, the priority is to pursue its own goals in the neighboring country to the end.
Moscow: Harris so far without contribution to the relationship
However, for Moscow, the future of Russian-American relations is of great importance, as they are "currently going through the worst period of their history." Regarding the role of US Vice President Kamala Harris, who Biden has proposed as a candidate, Peskov also spoke cautiously. She has not yet made a concrete contribution to the relationship between the two countries, but only unfavorable remarks about Russia.
- Despite the positive tone from Zelensky, Russia had previously rejected participation in a peace summit organized by him and questioned his legitimacy as President.
- The US election campaign has not brought any significant change in Russia's view towards the United States of America's support for Ukraine, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov.
- Peskov expressed doubts about Joe Biden's potential to bring about a change in the Russian-American relationship, indicating that as long as Biden is in office, US support for Ukraine will continue, thus prolonging the war.
- In Moscow, there's a belief that Kamala Harris, proposed as a candidate by Biden, has not made any concrete contribution to improving the Russian-American relationship, only making unfavorable remarks about Russia.
- Peskov also noted that it remains to be seen what exactly lies behind Zelensky's recent statements about possible negotiations, given that Zelensky had previously declared negotiations with Putin impossible.
- Amid the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Russian annexation of territories such as Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk has further complicated the diplomatic efforts for peace talks.
- The Kremlin appreciated Zelensky's recent statement regarding potential negotiations, viewing it as a better alternative to repeated statements of intent to fight until the last Ukrainian.
