Moscow Responds to German Criticism: "Putin Does Not Seek to Revive the Soviet Union"
In a direct response to sharp European criticism, the Kremlin officially denied any intentions for Russia to revive the Soviet era or launch attacks on NATO, during statements made by Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday.
These statements came against the backdrop of a European-Ukrainian summit held in London on Monday, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to affirm ongoing European support for Kyiv.
During the meeting, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his "doubts" regarding "some details in the documents coming from the United States," referring to an undisclosed American peace proposal presented by President Donald Trump. On this point, Merz stated: "This issue must be discussed." Merz also criticized Moscow, implying that Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks to "restore the glories of the Soviet Union" and threatens NATO countries.
In a firm response to these statements, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that Russian President Vladimir Putin "does not want to revive the Soviet Union," considering such a thing "impossible." Peskov also described Merz's statements regarding this matter and about "attacking Europe" as "incorrect."
Peskov added, in statements reported by official media, his confirmation that statements about Russia's "readiness" to attack NATO are "sheer nonsense," according to his literal description.
On another note, the Kremlin spokesman revealed that "Moscow is in constant contact with Washington and is awaiting the results of consultations on the peace plan," referring to the bilateral dialogue regarding diplomatic pathways.
This verbal escalation comes as President Zelensky emerged from the quadrilateral meeting in London with a revised peace proposal consisting of 20 points, affirming his inability "morally and constitutionally" to concede any territory, implicitly referring to a clause in the supposed American proposal that calls for Kyiv to cede the Donbas region to Russia.
It seems that the hardline European rhetoric from London, the new Ukrainian proposal, and the decisive Russian response all indicate a state of stalemate and polarization in the file, while the details of the American peace initiative remain undisclosed and provoke debate among allies.
