Russian President Press Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the United States call for Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian energy facilities falls within Washington’s remit, but he suggested it would be more meaningful if Washington urged Kyiv to cease what he described as terrorist actions targeting peaceful targets. He made these remarks during a briefing.
He added that this issue concerns the United States directly. He asserted that Washington would be better off pressing the Kiev leadership to end what he characterized as terrorist activities directed at civilian facilities and housing, emphasizing the need to protect peaceful social infrastructure. These comments were delivered in the course of his remarks at the briefing, reflecting the Russian stance on external calls for de-escalation. (Reuters)
In a broader analysis, Peskov observed that Russia’s special operation had, in his view, evolved into a war as the collective Western alliance began to participate in the conflict. He was responding to questions about prior statements by Russians who had warned that the Northern Military District had been described as a war by some voices. He argued that those who advocate pacifism were using the term war in a context that differed from the traditional military interpretation. The official framed the evolving situation as one where Western involvement had shifted the dynamics from a limited operation to a broader conflict. (AP)
Earlier, Peskov referenced the guiding principles that shape the formation of the new Russian cabinet, indicating that those principles remain central to the administration’s organizational decisions. He connected recent discussions to the ongoing governance approach and the need to align policy directions with the country’s strategic priorities. The statements underscored Moscow’s insistence on sovereignty in decision-making and the emphasis on security concerns guiding high-level personnel appointments. (TASS)