Kremlin Denies Intent to Revive Soviet Union Amid German Criticism
In a direct response to severe European criticism, the Kremlin has officially denied any intention by Russia to revive the Soviet era or to launch attacks against NATO, as stated by Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday.
These remarks follow 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 information in documents from the United States," referring to an unspecified American peace proposal presented by former President Donald Trump. Merz stated, "This issue needs to be discussed." He 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 firm response to these claims, Peskov clarified that President Putin "does not wish to revive the Soviet Union," deeming such an idea "impossible." He also labeled Merz's comments regarding a "threat to Europe" as "false."
Peskov further stated, as reported by official media, that claims about Russia preparing to attack NATO are "purely absurd," according to his literal description.
Additionally, the Kremlin spokesperson 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 escalating rhetoric comes as President Zelensky emerged from the quadripartite meeting in London with a revised 20-point peace proposal, asserting that he is "morally and constitutionally" unable to cede any territory, implicitly referencing an American proposal suggesting that Kyiv should relinquish the Donbass region to Russia.
The firm European stance from London, the new Ukrainian proposal, and the decisive Russian response all indicate a situation of deadlock and polarization in the ongoing discussions, as details of the American peace initiative remain undisclosed and provoke debate among allies.
