Kremlin responds to Trump's shortened deadline: Committed to peace, but Russia's national interests first
Photo: Press secretary of the Russian leader Dmitry Peskov (Getty Images)
The press secretary of Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Peskov, commented on the statement of US President Donald Trump regarding the shortening of the 50-day deadline and his "lack of interest" in meeting with the Russian leader, according to Russian media.
According to Peskov, Moscow "took note of" Trump’s position but does not change its course in conducting the war against Ukraine.
In Moscow, they emphasized that the so-called special military operation continues, and at the same time declared an alleged continued commitment to the peace process.
Peskov stressed that for the Kremlin, the key remains ensuring its "own national interests" in any format of conflict resolution.
"And we, as before, maintain our commitment to the peaceful process of resolving the conflict around Ukraine and ensuring our interests in the course of this settlement. Here, I would like to avoid evaluations. We have taken note of President Trump’s statement," Peskov stated.
Shortening of Trump's deadline
Donald Trump has shortened the term given to Vladimir Putin to start negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine.
The US president, who previously voiced a 50-day limit, now demands that the Kremlin make contact by August 9.
On July 28, Trump said he was disappointed with the lack of any progress and accused Moscow of unwillingness to negotiate.
In response, he moved the deadline forward, noting that the final window for negotiations would close between August 7 and 9.
In case of negotiation failure, Trump threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Russian imports starting from September 2.
Reuters reported that such measures could affect the export of Russian oil to China, India, and Türkiye.
