The Kremlin says Russian President Vladimir Putin remains open to pursuing Moscow’s objectives through diplomacy, while Russian forces continue efforts to create a wider security zone inside Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the expansion of the buffer zone was a response to what Moscow describes as escalating Ukrainian attacks. His comments followed reports that recent Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and ports may have strengthened the Kremlin’s determination to continue military operations.
Peskov also stated that Russia remains prepared for a negotiated settlement but accused the Ukrainian leadership of showing insufficient willingness to engage. Kyiv has repeatedly said that any peace process must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Kremlin spokesman further accused Ukraine of carrying out attacks near the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and against infrastructure linked to the facility. Ukrainian officials have previously rejected Russian accusations concerning responsibility for incidents around the plant.
The statements reflect the continuing gap between the positions of Moscow and Kyiv, with both sides publicly supporting diplomacy while maintaining incompatible conditions for a possible settlement.
