Russia repeats its stance on Ukraine's NATO membership
VOV correspondents in Russia and the Czech Republic -
(VOVWORLD) - On Monday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Ukraine’s non-accession to NATO is one of Russia’s firm demands. “Naturally, this issue is a key one, and it deserves special consideration compared to the others,” Peskov said.
He added Moscow expects Washington to present its vision for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine after the US completes discussions with its European and Ukrainian partners.
Ukraine and the US are holding negotiations in Berlin. Peskov said President Vladimir Putin is ready to move toward peace and serious decisions regarding Ukraine, but will not accept measures aimed at buying time or creating temporary pauses.
US President Donald Trump expressed confidence in a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. “I think we're closer now than we have been ever and we'll see what we can do. We want to save a lot of lives,” he told reporters on Monday.
President Trump said he had held a “long talk” with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukraine’s European allies over the status of peace talks taking place in Berlin.
At a meeting in Berlin on Monday, European leaders agreed that Ukraine needs solid security guarantees, including a European-led "multinational force" with US support, before making any decisions about possible territorial concessions to Russia.
VOV correspondents in Russia and the Czech Republic