3 minute read
The Kremlin has commented on U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement about the possible granting of a licence for Ukraine to produce Patriot air defence systems. The remarks were reported by the TASS news agency.
According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Russia is well aware that Washington continues to supply weapons to Kyiv.
He said Russia is doing everything necessary to protect the country, including from Patriot systems.
Peskov said there was a contradiction in the U.S. position, noting that while Washington continues to supply weapons to Ukraine, it is also attempting to facilitate a settlement of the conflict.
He also expressed hope that once the situation surrounding Iran is resolved, Washington will resume efforts to advance a settlement between Russia and Ukraine.
“We hope that once the Americans succeed in resolving the situation around Iran, despite the considerable difficulties, they will return to their efforts on the Ukrainian track,” the Kremlin spokesman said.
Peskov also commented on Trump’s assertion that Kyiv’s strikes would only bring a peaceful settlement closer.
“The more the Kyiv regime attacks our infrastructure, the more we will be forced to establish security buffer zones,” he said.
The spokesman stressed that Russia considers the United States sincere in its desire to help advance the peace process in Ukraine and welcomes those efforts.
In comments to Reuters, Peskov said Russia remained ready for a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine but had sufficient capabilities to continue its “special military operation” independently.
He also said describing Russia as a threat was, in itself, an aggressive act that required Moscow to remain strong and continue its current policy.
“This obliges us to remain strong, self-confident and continue our consistent policy — first of all regarding our country’s development, technologically and economically, and in ensuring and defending our interests against the backdrop of NATO’s aggressive actions. Declaring someone an adversary is, in itself, effectively an act of aggression,” Peskov told Vesti.
Earlier, NATO leaders described Russia as a “long-term threat” to Euro-Atlantic security in the alliance’s joint summit declaration.