Europe's worst mistake, Donbass liberation, nuclear escalation: Kremlin comments

Europe's worst mistake, Donbass liberation, nuclear escalation: Kremlin comments Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov says European countries still believe that they can inflict a strategic defeat on Russia and added that this is "the greatest mistake ever"Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov© Sergey Fadeichev/TASSGENEVA, July 7. /TASS/. Europe's counting on Russia's strategic defeat was the greatest mistake in history, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with Swiss magazine Die Weltwoche. He said the West’s efforts made the special military operation a full-scale war, noted that Vladimir Zelensky knows how to end the conflict in Ukraine in one day, and also pointed out that Russia does not need a nuclear escalation and it will never start World War III. TASS has compiled the key statements of the Kremlin representative. The conflict in Ukraine "Zelensky came to power promising his people to stop the war. That was his initial promise. And he still can stop the war, taking a very responsible decision." This means the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbass and a legal recognition of the prevailing realities: "And the next day the war will be over." Russia has recently liberated Konstantinovka: "It was prepared to be an untakeable fortress since 2014. And despite that, they managed to take it." After the liberation of Konstantinovka, the Russian military is "going to take another two important cities. It's Kramatorsk and Slavyansk. After that, the whole territory of the Donetsk Republic will be liberated." Europe and the United States supply Kiev with weapons, ammunition and military advisers: "They are supplying the Kiev regime with satellite surveillance results. So, they actually give their satellites in a total disposal of the Kiev regime. They target the weapons, Ukrainian weapons, with their satellites. They are using their artificial intelligence, AI. In order to facilitate the military activities of the Kiev regime. If it's not a direct involvement, then what?" Because of this, the conflict has ceased to be a special military operation: "We have Russia on one side and the Kiev regime plus a number of European countries. And plus the United States that is supplying millions of tons of weapons to Ukraine. What is it? It's not an operation anymore, it's a war. It's a full-scale war." Zelensky’s legitimacy at the head of Ukraine is under great doubt. Ukrainians should ask "their president, whose legitimacy is now questioned, whether he is really legitimate or not." Europe's mistake European countries still believe that they can inflict a strategic defeat on Russia: "This is the greatest mistake ever." This is because of the EU's position that the Kiev regime is "not so flexible" in choosing political and diplomatic means of settlement. Among the reasons for the Russophobia of European politicians, "historical traditions, plus history is repeating itself, plus this is kind of revenge that some powers in Europe are trying to take." Russia is a convenient "threat" that allows European populists to rally the electorate and distract it from the economic crisis: "So you can spend more money, you can close your eyes on certain crisis elements in your economy, blaming everything on Russia." The image of Russia as an enemy is being imposed on Europeans to justify increased defense spending and continued military support for Ukraine: "Is there an evil better than Russia for Europeans on European soil? No. We are a perfect evil. "Of course, we would like not to see any situations like in the middle of the 30s of the previous century. But lots of very similar things are happening right now. And what we see, the process of militarized Europe and the process of molding an enemy from us, of course, it disturbs us." "History, unfortunately, has a bad habit of repeating itself. In a little bit modernized way, but repeating itself. And sometimes farcically." Russia wants Europe "to get a new generation of wiser politicians" such as French President General Charles de Gaulle (1959-1969) and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl (1982-1998). European countries should follow four simple tips to stop the escalation of relations with Russia: "Number one, Russia is not a source of danger for Europe. Number two, you have to listen to Russia's concerns." "Number three, if you neglect Russia's concerns, you will have problems. Number four, try to renew a dialogue with Russians as soon as possible. They are open, they are flexible, and they are ready. It is as simple as that." Relations with the United States The relations between Russia and the United States are "not good because they're stuck. They're on a zero level," but Moscow and Washington are "clever enough to talk to each other." International security Russia will never start World War III, because it is "too big and too responsible a country." Russia has never started a world war, if you remember the history: "But when it was started against us, we responded to the end." Moscow has a nuclear doctrine that clearly spells out the conditions for the use of nuclear weapons: "It's very bold, it's very understandable, and it's very simple. If something endangers the idea of existence of the Russian state, then nuclear weapons will be used. Otherwise, no." TagsForeign policyDmitry PeskovKremlin gives Europe four tips on how to avoid escalation with RussiaNumber one, Russia is not a source of danger for Europe, Dmitry Peskov emphasizedRead moreShooting incidents on US Independence Day claimed 100 lives340 more people were injured during the three-day celebrations, Gun Violence Archive reportedRead moreRussia creates over 50% of buffer zone in Sumy, Kharkov Regions — expert"It is now being systematically expanded into the depths of the enemy’s defenses and across the width of the front," Andrey Marochko notedRead moreDrone's 420-kilometer flight shows successful integration into airspace — ZALAZALA stated that the practical tests confirmed the company's technological solutions' readiness to comply with the requirements of Russian President Vladimir Putin's directive on the implementation of unmanned aerial vehicles and their control systemsRead moreCristiano Ronaldo says he will consider his futureThe Portuguese star said he would like to "avoid making hasty decisions"Read moreRussia's offer to collect dead bodies from Konstantinovka proves who controls it — Lavrov"Kiev will most likely classify the lost troops as missing," the Russian foreign minister saidRead moreWest reacts like ostrich to Russia’s invitation to dialogue — Russian diplomatDmitry Polyansky also noted that anyone, who really closely follows Russia’s activities in the OSCE, has no doubt that it is ready for dialogue, whereas such Western statements are "just hot air"Read moreFinland paying for Stubb's belligerent policies with economic collapse — DmitrievIn May, unemployment rose to 12.7%, the highest since May 1998 and the highest in the EURead moreFIFA fines Balogun $40,000 for red card in World Cup matchHalf of the fine will be paid by the US Soccer, journalist Rob Harris reportedRead moreSpain advances to quarterfinals of FIFA World Cup thanks to victory over PortugalThe match ended with a score of 1-0Read moreRussian forces strike gas stations, fuel tankers in occupied DPR — top brassThe facilities were used to support Ukrainian army unitsRead morePolish authorities supplying weapons to followers of their ancestors' killers — MFAMaria Zakharova commented on a declassified Federal Security Service document identifying one of the initiators of the Volhynia massacreRead moreDeath toll in Venezuelan earthquake tops 3,500According to the government’s daily bulletin, 16,740 people were wounded, while 17,854 lost their homesRead moreUS wants allies to purchase American weapons — envoy to NATOMatthew Whitaker added that this will ultimately contribute to peaceRead moreLavrov begins African tour by visiting EthiopiaThe bilateral agenda has expanded since the previous visit of the Russian Foreign Minister in 2022 with Ethiopia becoming a full-fledged member of the BRICS group of nationsRead moreBelgium appeals FIFA decision to rescind US striker Balogun's red cardAs earlier reported, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee had decided to scrap Balogun's disqualification, allowing him to play in the second knockout stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against BelgiumRead moreRussia does not agree with Trump on everything, welcomes his desire for dialogue — KremlinDmitry Peskov highlighted that Donald Trump was very different from European politiciansRead moreKremlin spokesman comments on Putin-Trump call, Russia-China drillsAccording to Dmitry Peskov, the phone call the two leaders held at the end of last week allowed Russia to reiterate its position to the US straight awayRead moreUkraine loses Mi-8 helicopter, crew killedThe helicopter crashed on June 30Read moreUS officials uncertain if NATO summit in Ankara will 'go smoothly' — TVAccording to the broadcaster, "European leaders hope to exit the Ankara meeting without a major explosion, planning new defense pledges to allay Trump’s anger"Read moreNATO reconnaissance aircraft performs several flights around Kaliningrad RegionThe source recalled that it was the Bombardier Challenger 650 Artemis II aircraft’s second flight on the same route since the beginning of this summerRead moreRussian rights commissioner sends appeals to UN over Ukrainian drone attack on busCivilians were wounded, and children were seriously injured during the incident, Yana Lantratova saidRead moreWoman suspected in Yermolayev murder attempt found dead near Kiev — mediaAccording to the publication, the woman returned to Ukraine on July 1Read moreFACTBOX: Over 600 Ukrainian drones shot down over Russian regions overnightThe Russian Defense Ministry emphasized that the West's attempts to use the Kiev regime as a proxy to attack civilian Russian targets would be countered by increasing the number and severity of strikes on Ukrainian territoryRead moreSTART-3, US rhetoric on Ukraine, Russia’s interests — senior diplomat’s remarksAccording to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, US rhetoric is drifting farther and farther away from negotiations on UkraineRead moreUkrainian army has no gas stations left on major routes in Sumy Region — security sourceAccording to the source, this is confirmed by plans by regional Ukrainian authorities to ban the retail sale of gasoline starting July 10Read moreFour officers of Ukrainian brigade given life sentences for murder of 93 peopleInvestigations revealed that in 2022, to maintain the Kiev regime’s control over Mariupol, the defendants organized a ring blockade of the city’s northern sectorRead moreEurope may see influx of weapons from Ukraine — studyThe study says that Ukrainian authorities have so far recorded the loss of 593,000 weaponsRead moreLyut brigade held Konstantinovka - General StaffThe enemy assembled a substantial force comprising seven brigades, or a total of 45 battalionsRead moreNo specific agreements yet on potential Putin-Trump meeting at Hermitage — KremlinKremlin Aide Yury Ushakov said earlier that the US president had expressed admiration for the Hermitage Museum during his recent phone call with the Russian presidentRead moreUkrainian forces launch two overnight attacks on Belgorod — governorAlexander Shuvayev says a fire at an infrastructure facility was reportedRead morePress review: Trump-Putin call as Russian troops advance while US-Russia OPCW talks failTop stories from the Russian press on Monday, July 6thRead moreCrimea annexed by Ukraine 23 years ago — NaryshkinRead moreSome aggressive statements toward Russia heard during NATO summit preps — KremlinThese remarks said nothing about constructive interaction or dialogue, Dmitry Peskov notedRead moreAir defenses destroy 116 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions within 12-hour periodIn particular, drones were intercepted over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga, Kursk, Leningrad, Omsk, Smolensk, Tver, Tula, Krasnodar and Moscow Regions, the Republic of Bashkortostan and the Republic of CrimeaRead moreRussian Foreign Ministry summons Swedish ambassadorAccording to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Russia planned to focus the meeting on Sweden’s obligations under the Vienna Convention and the assurances Stockholm provided earlierRead moreRussia liberates Konstantinovka, which Ukraine claimed was impregnable — KremlinThe city was prepared to be an untakeable fortress since 2014, Dmitry Peskov stressedRead moreNATO countries to produce US tanks, missiles, MANPADS in Europe — RutteThe NATO secretary general stressed that NATO should replenish its arsenals, which had been depleted by arms supplies to UkraineRead morePress review: US, Europe may clash over Ukraine as China missile alarms Pacific regionTop stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, July 7thRead moreUS could withdraw all its forces from Europe given its attitude — TrumpEurope is a very different place than it was 20 years ago, the US leader notedRead moreRussian troops evacuating residents from KonstantinovkaWounded Russian servicemen are also being evacuatedRead moreSupport of Kiev by Europe and US direct participation in war against Russia — KremlinDmitry Peskov emphasized that because of this, the conflict has ceased to be a special military operationRead moreRussia delivers massive retaliatory strike on Ukrainian military-industrial sitesThe Russian Armed Forces delivered a massive strike on military-industrial enterprises, fuel and energy sites in Kiev and the Kiev Region, as well as on military airfield infrastructure in the Dnepropetrovsk, Poltava, Cherkassy, Chernigov and Kiev RegionsRead moreUAC sees no need to replace SSJ-100 avionics — CEOAccording to Vadim Badekha, the main factor that has limited the operation of previous versions of the Superjet is the issues with the engineRead moreTrump views ending Ukrainian conflict as urgent task — APAccording to the source, after a meeting with Zelensky in Ankara, the US leader plans follow-up talks with Russian President Vladimir PutinRead moreIN BRIEF: Putin’s key statements on proposal to limit combat zone, special op progressThe Russian president said that Ukrainian strikes on Russia’s infrastructure do not affect the situation at the front or the position along the line of engagementRead moreRussian air defense forces monitoring Siberian airspaceA drone danger regime was introduced in the Omsk and Novosibirsk RegionsRead moreIN BRIEF: Explosions hit Damascus as French president arrives in SyriaAl Hadath television reported that the explosions caused casualtiesRead moreMartinez announces his resignation as head coach of Portuguese national teamPortugal previously lost to Spain 1-0 in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World CupRead moreNot all in Europe ready to support Kiev’s ability to wage war -— Zenensky’s office chiefKiev cannot afford to lose Western support, Kirill Budanov saidRead moreUkrainian spy sells his smartphone to Russian intelligence for month's worth payThe Russian special services are performing operative actions in connection with the information they receivedRead moreRussia’s Battlegroup North destroys 79 Ukrainian UAVs, Slovenian M-55 tank in past dayDuring the last 24-hour period, the Ukrainian army lost roughly 195 troops, Battlegroup North Spokesman Vasily Mezhevykh saidRead moreStubb trying to justify NATO spending on Ukraine — Russian MPIgor Kastyukevich is confident that only one thing can urge Russia to sit down at the negotiating table, and that is the achieved goals of the special military operationRead moreNATO summit to present military confrontation with Russia to Trump as business projectAccording to sources in Brussels, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the maximum amount of military aid to Ukraine at 140 billion euros for 2026-2027Read moreUkrainian attacks kill 38 Russian civilians, including child, in past week — diplomatAnother 270 people, including eight minors, were injured, Rodion Miroshnik saidRead moreWest’s help to Kiev makes special military operation real war — KremlinBerlin, Paris, The Hague, Oslo, and, unfortunately, Washington are behind Kiev, Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov saidRead moreLifting of Turkey sanctions, assessment of talk with Putin: Trump's commentsThe US leader praised a July 4 telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that both Moscow and Kiev are committed to a settlement in UkraineRead moreIndonesia sees huge technological advantages of Russia in oil and gas supplies — ministerIndonesia calls on the business community to "do everything to develop bilateral trade and economic relations," Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita addedRead moreMoscow records largest Ukrainian drone attack in two years — TASS estimatesOver 430 drones were heading toward the Moscow Region between late July 6 and 6:00 a.m. on July 7, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin saidRead moreUkraine’s EU neighbors eye collapse to reclaim territories — lawmaker"Regardless of the fact that they are currently sitting at one table, each of them has a knife concealed behind their backs to start carving up Ukrainian territory for themselves," Viktor Vodolatsky saidRead moreAll Ukrainian forces deployed near Ivolzhanskoye in Sumy Region destroyed — defense sourceIvolzhanskoye is located about 11 km from the northern outskirts of SumyRead moreRussia has to liberate Kramatorsk, Slavyansk for full liberation of Donbass — KremlinDmitry Peskov noted that a couple of days ago, the Russian military announced the liberation of a very important city in Donbass - KonstantinovkaRead moreRussian troops liberate Petro-Ivanovka community in Kharkov Region over past dayThe Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,540 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hoursRead moreRussian forces hit rail locomotives, trucks in Dnepropetrovsk Region — Defense MinistryTwo strikes were conducted with Geran-4 Seeker UAVs against railway locomotives at stations near Pavlograd and SinelnikovoRead moreUS rhetoric indicates growing departure from Ukraine agreements — Russian diplomatAccording to Sergey Ryabkov, the pressure of sanctions on Russia is not just being maintained but is intensifyingRead moreNATO to announce 140-billion-euro aid to Kiev during upcoming summit — newspaperThe contribution amount will be negotiated separately with each participating countryRead moreIN BRIEF: Key statements by Deputy PM Novak on Russia’s fuel market situationAccording to Alexander Novak, the situation on the domestic fuel market is not easy, "given summer peak demand and unscheduled oil refinery maintenance"Read moreRussia’s Battlegroup West downs 29 Ukrainian fixed-wing UAVs, 65 heavy drones in past dayThe group's fighters identified and eliminated the enemy’s two field ammunition depots, 46 UAV control centers, and a Starlink satellite communications stationRead moreNATO states to sign defense contracts worth tens of billions of dollars at summit — RutteThe secretary general noted that NATO member states intend to "show how they are investing in defense"Read moreRussian nuclear sector experiences consequences of Ukrainian attacks — RosatomThe Zaporozhye nuclear power plant "is the peak of all these concerns," Alexey Likhachev stressedRead moreUS believes Iran attacked vessels in Strait of Hormuz twice on Monday — news outletAxios emhasized that the US will likely respond by striking targets in IranRead moreWest's interest in Ukraine wanes as it sees Kiev ‘running out of steam’ — Russian generalHero of Russia Major General Sergey Lipovoy stressed that the West was not helping, it was killing UkraineRead moreFIFA rejects Belgium’s appeal on Balogun red at 2026 World CupThe request was rendered inadmissible on the grounds that the RBFA is not a party to the proceedings and, as such, has no standing to appeal the decision, the statement said Read moreSecretary-general admits NATO has limits regarding support to Ukraine’s air defensesMark Rutte stressed that the alliance's member states were doing their bestRead moreIN BRIEF: Kremlin spokesman speaks on special military operation’s goals, NATO summitThe situation surrounding Ukraine can shift to a peaceful track once Kiev makes some tough decisions, Dmitry Peskov notedRead moreChinese Foreign Ministry calls reports on training Russian soldiers in China 'slander'Mao Ning noted that German Foreign Ministry officials have indeed recently met with the Chinese ambassadorRead morePoland needs to think about security while producing drones for Ukraine — KremlinRussian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on the "horror stories" about an alleged possible strike on the country's territory discussed in the Western pressRead moreRussia deploys Newton hybrid power station for EW systems in Ukraine operationThe system consists of a generator coupled with a storage batteryRead morePutin calls support for domestic exporters priority for RussiaDirector General of the Russian Export Centre Veronika Nikishina described how the support is being provided and expressed confidence that it would contribute to Russia’s prosperityRead moreEurope anticipates from Trump no new sanctions against Russia, no aid to Kiev — BloombergAccording to the agency's sources, there are no guarantees that a meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Zelensky during the NATO summit in Ankara will proceed smoothlyRead moreRussian fuel market situation remains tense — NovakEarlier, the deputy prime minister said that Russia had accumulated sufficient fuel reserves to supply the domestic market, but panic buying had led to a 20-30% increase in demandRead moreBelgium defeats US, advancing to FIFA World Cup quarterfinalsBelgium will face Spain on July 10Read moreTrump effectively leaves open further reduction of US troops in EuropeThe US president said that he was very disappointed with NATORead moreTrump says US should control GreenlandAccording to the US leader, Greenland is "surrounded by China's ships and Russian ships"Read morePoland transfers $4.5 billion worth of weapons to Kiev since 2022 — top defense officialWladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz also confirmed that Warsaw had supplied Kiev with Patriot missile systemsRead moreKremlin gives Europe four tips on how to avoid escalation with RussiaNumber one, Russia is not a source of danger for Europe, Dmitry Peskov emphasizedRead moreRussia developed small nuclear reactors for deep space, ArcticAccording to Ilya Chekh, the specialists' task is to put the development into serial production with an optimal plan to create one reactor per dayRead moreAir defenses down 159 Ukrainian drones in Kursk Region over past 24 hoursThe Ukrainian military fired artillery at evacuated areas 56 timesRead moreRussian forces strike over 150 Ukrainian army deployment sites in past day — top brassThe Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,380 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hoursRead moreFire in Kaluga Region, 452 UAVs target Russia: new Ukrainian attacksMore than 430 UAVs headed toward the Moscow Region this nightRead moreSpecial military operation decision forced, as EU, US did not listen to Russia — Kremlin"As soon as you understand that no one would listen to you, you take firm steps," the Russian Presidential spokesman stressedRead moreBaltic elites seek to benefit from 'Russian threat' scenario, senior lawmaker says"Given America is withdrawing its troops, they will try to get money from the European Commission and NATO for building the so-called defenses against Russia in order to profit and attempt to steal billions," Viktor Vodolatsky saidRead moreZelensky delays signing US drone production deal — mediaAccording to unnamed Ukrainian officials, Vladimir Zelensky "may be seeking better terms from the US," attempting to persuade American officials to "recognize the deal’s value"Read moreUkrainian officers arrested for killing Monaco blast suspect implicated in attack tooInvestigators reportedly examined the suspects’ financial transactions, noting that both had made multiple transfers to Anastasia Berezovskaya’s cryptocurrency wallets and bank accountsRead moreIntensified Ukrainian strikes on Russia to only delay peace agreement conclusion — expertAccording to Vladimir Karasev, the longer the conflict escalates, the more territory the Russian Armed Forces will liberateRead moreLondon court rejects Nord Stream pipeline operator’s claim against insurersLloyd's of London and Arch Insurance were the defendantsRead moreUkrainian attacks on medical facilities constitute serious war crime — diplomatRodion Miroshnik noted that three ambulance crew members were injured in a drone strike on their vehicle in the town of Gorlovka in the Donetsk People's RepublicRead moreNATO effectiveness declining due to restricted cooperation in defense industry — MFA"These constraints have become strategic liabilities," Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan saidRead moreLavrov says Russia agreed to US proposals at Alaska summitThe Russian top diplomat said that any other interpretations were irrelevantRead moreJapan attaches great importance to strengthening cooperation with NATO — CabinetMinoru Kihara reiterated that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is inextricably linkedRead moreUkrainian forces lose at least 37 gas stations in week and halfAccording to the Russian Defense Ministry, regular high-precision strikes on fuel depots, gas stations, and railway infrastructure facilities are significantly disrupting the Ukrainian military's transport logisticsRead more