Kremlin Denies Intentions to Revive Soviet Union Amid European Criticism
In a direct response to European criticism, the Kremlin officially denied any intentions from Russia to revive the Soviet era or to launch attacks against NATO, according to statements made by Russian presidential spokesman Dmitri Peskov on Tuesday.
These remarks came during 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 reaffirm ongoing European support for Kyiv.
During the meeting, Chancellor Merz expressed his "doubts" regarding "certain details in documents from the United States," referring to an unannounced peace proposal presented by former President Donald Trump. He emphasized, "This matter needs to be discussed." Merz also criticized Moscow, suggesting that President Vladimir Putin aims to "restore the glory of the Soviet Union" and poses a threat to NATO countries.
In a strong rebuttal to these comments, Peskov clarified that President Putin "does not want to revive the Soviet Union," deeming such a notion "impossible." He described Merz's statements regarding a potential "attack on Europe" as "incorrect."
Peskov, in remarks broadcast by state media, reaffirmed that claims about Russia's willingness to attack NATO are "pure nonsense," according to his literal description.
Additionally, the Kremlin spokesman revealed that "Moscow is in constant contact with Washington and awaits the results of consultations regarding the peace plan," referring to ongoing bilateral discussions on diplomatic avenues.
This escalation in rhetoric occurs as President Zelensky emerged from the quadrilateral meeting in London with a revised 20-point peace proposal, asserting that he cannot "morally and constitutionally" cede any territory, hinting at a rejection of a point in the alleged U.S. proposal that required Kyiv to relinquish the Donbas region in favor of Russia.
The firm European discourse from London, the new Ukrainian proposal, and the decisive Russian response all indicate a state of deadlock and polarization on the issue, especially as details of the U.S. peace initiative remain undisclosed and controversial among allies.
