Kremlin’s Perspective on Peace negotiations

The Kremlin, through its spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, has characterized the peace process in Ukraine as “a complex process” requiring “time” to reach a resolution. It is clear that not everything is simple, it is clear that we want that everything happens quickly, but the substance linked to the resolution of the root causes of the Ukrainian conflict is so complex that, naturally, it takes time. The work is in progress, Peskov told reporters, according to Ria Novosti. This statement underscores the ongoing efforts while acknowledging the deep-seated issues hindering a swift resolution.

Escalating Rhetoric: Moscow’s Warnings to Berlin

Amidst discussions of military aid, Moscow has issued stark warnings to Berlin regarding the provision of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine. maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, stated that if Germany supplies these missiles, they will burn like matches, similar to the fate of Leopard tanks.Furthermore, she asserted that Berlin would sink further into the pit in which the Kiev regime that it supports has long been located. Zakharova added, Any German weapon will not change the course of the special military operation, following Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s announcement that Germany had removed restrictions on the use of weapons supplied to Kiev against Russian territory.

German Chancellor’s Realistic Outlook

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed a realistic, if not pessimistic, view regarding the timeline for the end of the conflict. I am not under any illusions about the end of the war in the short term, he stated during discussions with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Turku. Merz suggested that conflicts typically conclude when one or both parties reach exhaustion, either militarily or economically.Obviously, we are still far from this in this war, he noted.

Merz also emphasized the broader implications of the war,stating,The political order that we established together with russia after 1990 is being questioned. We are threatened and we are defending ourselves against this. He acknowledged the unsuccessful joint efforts by the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States to pressure Russia into a ceasefire. However, I have not been under any illusions from the beginning that this would happen very quickly. Consequently, this means that Ukraine must continue to defend itself and that we must intensify our efforts so that it can do so, Merz affirmed.

Defending his decision to lift restrictions on the use of German long-range weapons by Ukraine, Merz explained, Only those who are able to attack the military bases on the territory of the assailant can defend themselves, noting that the decision was made several months prior.

Russian Draft Memorandum and Allegations

Maria Zakharova announced that Russia is continuing to develop a draft memorandum concerning the future peace treaty, outlining key aspects such as the principles of the agreement, the timeline for a potential peace accord, and a possible ceasefire for a limited period if relevant agreements are reached. As soon as the memorandum is ready, and I would like to emphasize that Russian Foreign Minister Sergej Lavrov takes part daily in its development, it will be transmitted to Kiev. We hope that the Ukrainian side will do the same and send us its draft as soon as it receives the Russian document, Zakharova added.

Moscow has accused Kiev of intensifying aerial bombardments to disrupt peace talks, asserting that its massive attacks on Ukraine, which resulted in 13 deaths over the weekend, were a response to Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia. Kiev, with the support of some European countries, has adopted a series of provocative measures to hinder the negotiations initiated by Russia, stated the Ministry of Defense of Moscow, adding that the Russian army is striking Ukraine in response to the massive attacks by Ukrainian drones on Russian regions.

The Russian Ministry of Defense further declared that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will continue to conduct massive attacks in response to any terrorist attack and provocation by the Kiev regime.The attacks will be conducted exclusively against military structures and enterprises of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex.

Potential US Sanctions: Trump’s Considerations

Former President Donald Trump is reportedly considering imposing sanctions on Russia, according to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal. Trump is described as increasingly frustrated by Vladimir Putin’s continued attacks in Ukraine and the lack of progress in peace talks. These measures would not include new banking sanctions but would explore options to pressure Putin into making concessions,starting with a 30-day ceasefire supported by Ukraine but consistently rejected by Russia.

However, sources indicate that Trump might ultimately decide against imposing new sanctions, despite pressure from international allies and domestic figures like Senator Lindsey Graham. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated, The president is clear on the fact that he wants a negotiated peace agreement, and he is intelligently keeping all options on the table.

Trump himself has said he is absolutely considering possible sanctions, expressing his displeasure with Putin’s actions: I have known him for a long time, I have always gotten along with him, but he is sending missiles against the cities and he is killing people and I don’t like it – we are in the middle of negotiations and he sends missiles against Kiev and other cities, I don’t like it at all.