Russian President Vladimir Putin recently led a meeting in Moscow with the Ministry of Defence leadership, defense industry representatives, and missile systems developers. REUTERS
The Kremlin expressed on Monday that it has observed President-elect Donald Trump's circle discussing a potential peace plan for Ukraine, contrasting with the current US administration led by Joe Biden, which is reportedly seeking to escalate the conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed these comments after being questioned about an interview given by Mike Waltz, Trump's designated national security adviser, to Fox News on Sunday. Waltz mentioned that Trump has been deeply concerned about the escalation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine and emphasized the necessity to bring the war to a responsible conclusion. He also highlighted the involvement of North Korea and Iran in the conflict, Russia's deployment of a hypersonic ballistic missile against Ukraine, the decision of certain Western countries to allow Kyiv to fire their missiles deep into Russia, and South Korea's contemplation of joining the fray.
"What we need to be discussing is who's at that table, whether it's an agreement, an armistice, how to get both sides to the table, and then what's the framework of a deal," Waltz stated. Peskov confirmed that the Kremlin has taken note of these remarks and that President Vladimir Putin has consistently indicated Moscow's readiness for dialogue concerning Ukraine. "Indeed, from the circle of Trump supporters and those who have been nominated for future positions in the future administration, the word 'peace' or 'peace plan' is being heard," Peskov remarked when queried about Waltz's comments. "No such words are being heard from the current (Biden) administration while provocative escalatory actions continue. That is the reality that we face," he added. Putin outlined in June the conditions necessary to initiate peace talks, including Ukraine renouncing its NATO membership aspirations and relinquishing control of four provinces claimed by Moscow. Moscow asserts that these terms reflect the current battlefield reality where Russian forces have been making advances. However, Ukraine views such terms as an unacceptable capitulation for Kyiv.
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