Russia is taking a cautious approach to developments in the US election campaign. The Kremlin wants to push through its war aims in Ukraine, but is causing a stir with its statements about President Zelenskyj.
The Kremlin has responded positively to recent statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on possible negotiations in the war between the two countries. “This is certainly better than statements that any contact with the Russian side and with the Russian head of state is out of the question,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in Moscow. “Of course, it is much better to talk about dialogue in one tone or another than to talk about the intention to fight to the last Ukrainian.”
Zelensky had previously said in an interview with the BBC that he would also be able to speak to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, although he himself had actually ruled this out by decree. In the interview, Zelensky reiterated his willingness in principle to negotiate with Russian representatives at a new peace summit. “And whether that will be Putin or not makes no difference,” he said.
Peskov said it remains to be seen what exactly is behind Zelensky’s statements. Russia had refused to participate in a peace summit hosted by Zelensky and also questioned his legitimacy as president. In response to Russia’s annexation of the Ukrainian regions of Kherson, Zaporizhia, Donetsk and Luhansk in autumn 2022, Zelensky had declared negotiations with Putin impossible by decree.
Peskov: “Nothing good to be expected” from Biden
Peskov also made it clear, as he did last night, that Russia is taking a wait-and-see approach following the withdrawal of US President Joe Biden from the US presidential election campaign. As long as Biden remains in office, US aid to Ukraine will not change, which will prolong the war. “Nothing good can be expected from this,” Peskov said. “This will not lead to a solution to the conflict over Ukraine.” For Russia, the priority is to pursue its own goals in the neighboring country to the end.
Moscow: Harris has so far made no contribution to the relationship
Nevertheless, the future of Russian-American relations is of great importance for Moscow because they are “now going through the worst period in their history.” Peskov was also cautious about the role of US Vice President Kamala Harris, who Biden is proposing as a candidate. So far, she has not distinguished herself with any concrete contribution to the relationship between the two countries, but only with rather unfriendly remarks about Russia.
Source: Stern
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