Possibility of Putin-Trump conversation, US duplicity — topics of Peskov's briefing

Lead

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed the possibility of another conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, as well as the prospects for US mediation in Ukraine, during recent briefings. While voicing appreciation for Trump's willingness to engage in dialogue, Peskov also noted that the United States cannot be considered fully neutral in the conflict, given its continued military assistance to Kiev.

Coverage Comparison

All reported statements come from TASS, Russia's state news agency, which quoted Peskov's daily briefings and an interview with the Swiss magazine Die Weltwoche. The agency's accounts present the Kremlin's viewpoints on US involvement, Putin-Trump communications, and Russia-China cooperation.

Key Claims

Putin-Trump dialogue

Peskov confirmed that Putin and Trump held a phone call at the end of last week, calling it "a good opportunity to convey our position to the US president first-hand at the highest level." He said the two leaders agreed to "touch base again in the near future." The Kremlin spokesman also noted that Trump had planned to call Putin during his recent meetings in Ankara but "was apparently very busy," so no call took place, though Putin "is open to dialogue."

According to Peskov, the two presidents "maintain a truly constructive dialogue despite the differences they might have." He dismissed allegations that Trump's position on Ukraine was inconsistent, saying the US president holds "a fairly consistent position" and that claims of flip-flopping are "certainly untrue."

US mediation and neutrality

Russia sees Trump's "earnest desire" to help find a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict and believes Washington's good offices could be useful, given its influence over Kiev and the EU. Peskov said: "Given the United States' influence over both European countries and Ukraine, and taking into consideration what we believe is the sincere desire of President Trump and his team to help bring the settlement process onto a peaceful track, we highly appreciate the US willingness."

However, he added that "absolute neutrality" is probably not applicable in Washington's case: "The United States supplies weapons to Ukraine — albeit for a price, whereas earlier it was allegedly done for free." This assistance, he said, undermines the perception of the US as a neutral mediator.

Peskov also noted that the US intention to continue its efforts had not been dismissed: "No one has dismissed the US intention to continue its efforts. In fact, President Donald Trump has stated that once issues related to the Iranian settlement — an inherently complex and demanding process — are resolved, the United States will once again intensify its diplomatic efforts regarding Ukraine."

Trump's remarks on escalation

Russia believes Trump was mistaken in suggesting that an escalation of military operations could contribute to an early settlement. Peskov called it "a misconception," adding that "rising tensions and further escalation cannot contribute to a peace process in any way." He warned that "the more strikes the Kiev regime carries out on our infrastructure facilities, the wider the security zones we will need to create," and that further escalation could prolong the conflict and force Moscow to establish a broader buffer zone.

Trump's approach to dialogue

In an interview with Die Weltwoche, Peskov contrasted Trump with European politicians. "He's very different from the European politicians. He prefers to solve problems and to solve problems by talking," Peskov said, adding: "We are not going to be necessarily agreeing on everything. We would rather disagree on everything, but at least we'll continue talking to each other. And of course, we can only welcome such an approach."

Russia-China drills and missile tests

Peskov addressed Russian-Chinese joint military exercises, stating they are not directed against any country: "As for our joint exercises, they aren't targeted against anyone - against any country of the region - and this is the fact everyone should proceed from." He also affirmed that China has the sovereign right to test missiles.

Putin's order on 'warmongers'

Peskov commented on Putin's order to analyze the involvement of "every instigator of continued war in Ukraine," saying it was directed to the Russian Defense Ministry and intelligence agencies. "It's for the Defense Ministry. There are also intelligence agencies that have the necessary information on the extent to which other countries are involved in warmongering efforts," he said.

Perspectives

Kremlin (via Dmitry Peskov)

The Kremlin views Trump as a constructive dialogue partner whose willingness to engage is welcomed, but it also questions US neutrality in Ukraine and criticizes Trump's remarks on escalation as a "misconception." Russia emphasizes its readiness for continued talks while underscoring that military escalation would only prolong the conflict.

United States (position as characterized by Kremlin)

Peskov attributed to Washington a stated intention to continue diplomatic efforts on Ukraine, particularly after addressing the Iranian settlement, and acknowledged Trump's desire to help find a peaceful solution. No direct US response was included in the provided material.