About the course of the military operation
Peskov asserts that Russia will prevail in Ukraine and that all declared objectives will be met. He recalls the president’s statement that everything is proceeding according to plan, and that the process is proceeding effectively and as intended.
He expressed certainty that the path forward will lead to success and that Russia will realize its aims. The spokesperson emphasized that the president understands the country’s direction and that the population will live better as a result.
According to Peskov, every conflict ends with peace. He envisions an eventual global outcome in which Russia’s voice is heard and citizens feel secure, comfortable, and confident in their own footing.
Peskov also noted that Russia can withstand Western pressure. Imports can be replaced, and there is no reason for despair. He stressed that Russia can achieve these goals independently, representing a steadfast stance from the presidential administration.
At the same time, Peskov acknowledged that some people in his circle do not participate in or fully support the military operation. He admitted that colleagues and friends may disagree with his view, and he pledged to continue efforts to persuade them to align with his perspective.
He described Ukrainians as peaceful people who have been misled, asserting that an anti Russian sentiment and intensified hostility toward Russia originated in Ukraine. He argued that many Ukrainians are talented and peaceful, but have been influenced by media, rallies, and leaders, including among the youth. He noted that the harmful ideology does not reflect the views of all Ukrainians.
In the information war with the West
The Kremlin spokesman characterized the Anglo Saxon media, along with French, German, and Ukrainian outlets, as leading participants in information warfare. He claimed that Russia has attempted to counter this monopoly using market methods and stressed that much foreign reporting against Russia is biased or hostile, with some correspondents expressing strong anti Russian sentiment and spreading misinformation. He described freedom of expression in the West as a temporary concept.
Peskov said that given the ongoing hybrid war, attention should be paid to how foreign media are engaged. He noted feeling targeted by the information war, but affirmed that the effort is now aimed at many actors and should be resisted collectively.
In relation to Bucha, Peskov reiterated prior remarks about staged imagery and alleged deception by Ukrainian authorities and Western journalists. He argued that Kiev could not have staged such events without broader complicity and called the vicious portrayals a dangerous aspect of the conflict’s information dimension.
He warned that the most frightening element of this war is the prevalence of lies and misleading productions. Peskov referenced a dramatic depiction near Kyiv and claimed that Ukrainian experts sometimes do not possess the required professional capabilities. He suggested that Kyiv employs skilled information workers and public relations specialists to shape the narrative.
On Kadyrov’s criticism
Peskov stated that relations with the Chechen leader remain strong and cordial. He explained that their exchanges involve mutual critique, but are conducted in a spirit of friendship.
In early April, Kadyrov publicly disagreed with Peskov over a TV host and a related anti war statement. Following Russia’s military operation, a popular show faced suspension as channels explained the decision in the context of covering important socio political events and not all entertainment programs being broadcast at the time.
Peskov defended Urgant, noting that none of the figures mentioned are anti state. He emphasized that not everyone understands politics, and hosts like Urgant may hold a different viewpoint. He rejected attempts to slander individuals or cast them as enemies of the state, particularly in the context of a rapidly evolving situation.
These comments drew criticism from Kadyrov, who suggested that Peskov’s sense of patriotism might be shifting. He questioned the timing of recognition for certain ranks and urged a more measured approach to public remarks about patriotism.
Peskov later commented that patriotism equals love of the homeland and willingness to make sacrifices for the country, cautioning against politically convenient labels and urging unity rather than competition over who is more patriotic.
About Putin’s visit to Turkey, Instagram and grain blocked in Ukraine
Peskov did not rule out the possibility that Instagram could be unblocked in Russia in the future, provided social network owners comply with Russian law. Regarding Putin’s visit to Turkey, he indicated that a trip in the near term was unlikely, while leaving room for possible changes as conditions develop rapidly.
He also commented on the safe passage of grain ships from Ukrainian ports, noting their heavily mined status. He highlighted the need for a demining operation, stressing the complexity and danger involved in navigation. The international community has pressed for grain exports to prevent a global food crisis.
According to Peskov, Ukrainian ports remain perilous due to mining, creating significant navigation hazards. He stressed the importance of a demining effort to enable safe shipping in these waters.