In a stern rebuke to recent statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Kremlin declared today that pressuring Russia into a peace agreement would be a “fatal mistake,” warning that such tactics could lead to severe consequences for Kyiv.
This response follows Zelensky’s remarks at the United Nations, where he asserted that the only path to peace would involve forcing Russia into compliance, stating that he would not negotiate on Moscow’s terms.
Zelensky, addressing the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, reiterated Ukraine’s refusal to accept any deal dictated by Russia, emphasizing that the terms proposed by Moscow were unacceptable.
He also underlined that Ukraine is not seeking peace at any price, stressing that Russia must be held accountable for its actions in Ukraine and that any peace settlement should respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, swiftly responded to Zelensky’s statements today, characterizing the Ukrainian leader’s position as a “systemic error” and a “deep delusion.” Peskov argued that forcing Russia into an agreement would backfire on Ukraine.
“Pressuring Russia into a peace deal is a fatal mistake. Such an approach represents a miscalculation that will lead to consequences for the Ukrainian government,” Peskov warned in his remarks to reporters.
While reiterating that Russia is not opposed to peace, Peskov clarified that Moscow’s vision of peace differs sharply from that of Kyiv and its Western allies. “Russia is for peace, but only under conditions that ensure its stability and security,” he said.
He also emphasized that any peace settlement must align with the objectives of what Russia has termed its “special military operation” in Ukraine, a conflict Moscow insists is necessary for its national security.
Peskov’s comments further underscored the gulf between the two nations on how the conflict might be resolved. Moscow has consistently argued that the conflict stems from Ukraine’s alignment with Western powers and NATO’s expansion, which it sees as threats to Russian interests.
Meanwhile, Kyiv, with support from the West, maintains that Russia’s unprovoked invasion and continued aggression must be met with accountability and the full restoration of Ukrainian sovereignty over all its territories, including Crimea.
Zelensky’s uncompromising stance at the UN reflects Ukraine’s growing frustration with the slow pace of the war, now in its second year, and the devastation it has wrought on the country.
Despite the ongoing conflict, the Ukrainian president remains steadfast in his refusal to negotiate with Moscow unless certain preconditions, including the withdrawal of Russian forces from occupied territories, are met.
Russia’s invasion has prompted sweeping international sanctions and global condemnation, but Moscow has shown no sign of backing down from its military objectives.
Instead, Russian officials have repeatedly accused Kyiv of undermining peace efforts, pointing to Ukraine’s refusal to engage in negotiations under Moscow’s terms.
As both sides continue to dig in their heels, the prospect of a diplomatic resolution remains elusive. Zelensky’s remarks at the UN and the Kremlin’s subsequent response underscore the challenges in achieving a peaceful settlement, with each side demanding vastly different terms for an end to the conflict.
For now, the war continues unabated, with no immediate signs of either side softening its position. As international pressure mounts, the future of peace talks remains uncertain, leaving the Ukrainian people caught in the midst of a prolonged and devastating conflict.