Peskov Comments on Zelensky's Statement

The press secretary of the Russian president, Dmitry Peskov, stated that the "three steps" toward peace proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should be viewed as steps for the continuation of military operations.

Earlier, Zelensky announced actions he believes would bring peace to Ukrainian territory during an appeal to leaders of the G7 countries. Specifically, he suggested continuing the "achieved solidarity" regarding arms supplies and fulfilling the provisions of the "peace formula" previously proposed by Kyiv.

Peskov remarked, "The Ukrainian side must take into account the realities that have developed throughout this period. In fact, these are realities that have emerged due to the policies pursued over the last 15 or even 20 years. The leadership of Ukraine and the current Ukrainian regime testify to the fact that new entities have emerged in the Russian Federation, and these have arisen as a result of referendums held in these territories. Without considering these new realities, no progress is possible."

Russia has been conducting a military special operation in Ukraine since February 24. President Vladimir Putin has described the operation’s objective as the "protection of people who have been subjected to violence and genocide by the Kyiv regime for eight years." According to the president, the ultimate goal of the operation is the liberation of Donbas and the creation of conditions that guarantee Russia's safety.