**Zelensky Could End the War Tomorrow, Says Kremlin Spokesman**
In a recent interview with the Swiss magazine Die Weltwoche, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserted that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has the power to end the ongoing conflict with Russia in just one day. Peskov emphasized that a simple order for Ukrainian troops to withdraw from the Donbass region would suffice to halt hostilities.
The Donbass area, which is predominantly Russian-speaking, has been a focal point of contention since it voted to join Russia in 2022. Peskov reiterated Moscow's long-standing demand for Ukraine to pull its forces from this region, arguing that such a withdrawal is crucial for achieving a lasting peace settlement. He stated, “Zelensky came to power promising his people to stop the war… And he still can stop the war, [by] taking the very responsible decision to withdraw his troops from Donbass, from the regions that are now Russian regions.” He urged Zelensky to acknowledge the current situation on the ground as a legal reality.
The Kremlin's position reflects a broader narrative that has been consistent throughout the conflict. While Moscow insists on Ukraine's withdrawal, Kyiv has firmly rejected this demand and has instead escalated its long-range military operations against Russian targets.
When questioned about the justification for Russia's military actions in Ukraine, Peskov claimed that Moscow was compelled to act due to a lack of progress in negotiations with Western nations. He stated, “It had to be taken due to the experience of negotiating with the European capitals and with the US… as soon as you understand that no one would listen to you, you take firm steps.” This perspective frames Russia's military intervention as a necessary response to perceived inaction and disregard from Western powers.
Peskov characterized the conflict as a “full-scale war,” asserting that Russia is not only contending with Ukraine but also with its Western allies. He accused the United States and European nations of supplying Ukraine with significant military resources, including weapons, military advisors, and intelligence support. “If it’s not direct involvement, what is it?” he questioned, highlighting the Kremlin's view of Western support for Ukraine as an escalation of involvement in the conflict.
The issue of nuclear escalation was also raised during the interview. Peskov reassured that Russia is “too big and too responsible” to initiate a third world war, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with the United States despite the current state of bilateral relations, which he described as “at zero.” He acknowledged that both nations remain pragmatic enough to keep dialogue ongoing.
In contrast, Peskov expressed a more critical view of European nations, suggesting that there are “lots of crazy things in the heads of European politicians.” He accused NATO countries of moving military infrastructure closer to Russia's borders, questioning whether any nation would tolerate such actions. “We’re going to ensure our security,” he declared, indicating that Russia perceives these developments as direct threats.
Moscow has consistently voiced concerns over what it describes as the “radical militarization” of Europe, citing increased defense spending and aggressive rhetoric from NATO members. Last month, President Vladimir Putin warned that NATO countries were “openly preparing for a war” with Russia, framing their military buildup as a response to unfounded claims of a Russian threat.
As the conflict continues, the dynamics between Ukraine, Russia, and Western nations remain complex and fraught with tension. The Kremlin's insistence on Ukraine's withdrawal from Donbass as a precondition for peace underscores the challenges facing any potential resolution to the ongoing war.
The full interview with Dmitry Peskov is available for viewing, providing further insights into the Kremlin's perspective on the conflict and its implications for international relations.