LOC13:53
10:53 GMT
MOSCOW, Sept 24 (KUNA) -- The Russian Presidency, on Wednesday, described the current stage of the conflict involving Russia as the "sharpest stage," stressing that Moscow is engaged in a decisive phase that requires victory to safeguard the future of coming generations.
Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that developments on the front line show that those unwilling to negotiate now will face "a far worse situation in the near future," as the Russian Armed Forces continue to advance confidently along the line of contact.
He reaffirmed that Moscow will continue its "special military operation" to protect its national interests and ensure both its present and future security.
Peskov added that President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly put forward proposals for a peaceful settlement addressing the roots of the Ukrainian conflict but said that Europe and the United States rejected them.
He argued that Moscow would be the optimal venue for any potential meeting between President Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with full security guarantees for the Ukrainian delegation.
He dismissed Kiev's suggestions to hold such talks in countries like Switzerland or Austria, calling them "unacceptable" and asserting that those states "have de facto lost their neutrality toward Russia."
On the stance of US President Donald Trump regarding Russia, Peskov said that Trump continues to demonstrate political will to engage in the Ukrainian settlement, and Russia welcomes this, as President Putin personally values these efforts.
He noted that Moscow prefers maintaining parallel channels of communication with Washington, both on the Ukrainian crisis and on bilateral relations, stressing that reviving US-Russia ties and improving economic cooperation serves the interests of both sides.
Peskov pointed out that dialogue channels between Moscow and Washington are currently active, describing the situation as "fundamentally different" from that under former US President Joe Biden.
He highlighted Putin's proposal for a new initiative concerning the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START).
The Kremlin spokesman also underlined that the world is going through an unprecedented stage of unexpected economic conditions and warning that recent US tariff decisions will impact the global economy for years.
He said Russia is successfully redirecting its energy exports to alternative markets, citing a recently signed unprecedented long-term gas supply agreement with China.
Peskov further emphasized that the Russian economy remains stable, noting that the draft federal budget for 2026-2028 is balanced and fulfills all social obligations, while ensuring that the needs of the Russian Armed Forces are fully met.
He concluded by affirming that Russia is an integral part of the European security system, and any discussion of that security without Russia is baseless. (end)
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