RUSSIA prefers to achieve the goal of its special military operation through political and diplomatic means, but believes Ukraine is not currently prepared for such a resolution, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.
Speaking to media, Peskov, Russia's presidential press secretary, said that if Ukraine demonstrates goodwill and makes key decisions, the crisis could be resolved peacefully.
He said a political and diplomatic settlement remains the priority for Russia. However, he added that in the absence of willingness from Ukraine to end the conflict through peaceful means, Russia will continue its special military operation.
Peskov also said that new weapon supplies to Ukraine from NATO would not prevent Russia from pursuing its objectives, adding that rhetoric concerning Russia has become more confrontational during the NATO summit. Russia will pay close attention to all information coming from the NATO summit, said Peskov.
He then noted that Russia and the United States maintain contact through working channels, and Russia hopes that U.S. mediation efforts on the Ukraine issue will be successful.
According to a media report from Russia's Sputnik on Tuesday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview that Russia will closely monitor the U.S. position on Ukraine following the NATO summit.
Ryabkov said that forces obstructing the political mediation process and forces supporting the conflict within Europe are attempting to sabotage peace talks. He noted that Russia will wait for the results of the NATO summit to see what proposals the U.S. government will put forward.
