Kremlin: Zelenskyy's militant statements 'main obstacle' to peaceful settlement

Statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claiming Kyiv has prepared plans for strikes against Russia in June do not contribute to efforts to reach a peaceful settlement of the conflict, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday. Speaking at a press briefing in Beijing, Peskov said Zelenskyy himself is "the main obstacle" to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Militant statements

"Again and again, we hear militant statements. These are not the kind of statements that would help create an atmosphere favorable to moving toward peace negotiations. This once again underscores and proves who is the main obstacle on the path toward a peaceful settlement. It is Zelenskyy and his regime," he said.

Russia's position

According to Peskov, the Russian military will take measures to counter threats coming from Kyiv, while Russia continues to prefer a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. "Moscow remains open to a peaceful path of settlement. It is the preferred option for us," he said.

Putin-Xi meeting

Peskov also said President Putin's visit to China is proceeding "very well," describing it as "businesslike and substantive." Regarding the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project, he stated that Moscow and Beijing have generally reached an understanding on main parameters, though there is no clear timeline for implementation.