The Kremlin has responded to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent allegation that Russian President Vladimir Putin is "playing with fire" by refusing to engage in ceasefire talks with Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia, like the United States, prioritizes its national interests above all.
Trump, who has vowed to end the conflict in Ukraine swiftly if re-elected, posted on Truth Social accusing Putin of risking dangerous consequences. He wrote: "What [Putin] doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened in Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire." These remarks coincided with a series of deadly missile and drone strikes launched by Russia against Ukraine, with Moscow claiming to have intercepted over 100 Ukrainian drones overnight, including several targeting the capital.
Following an incident that temporarily halted air traffic in Moscow and other cities, Peskov acknowledged ongoing U.S. mediation efforts led by Trump but stressed Russia’s commitment to its own national priorities. "Just like the United States, Russia has its own national interests, which are above all for us, and they are above all for our president," he said. Peskov confirmed that Russia is preparing for another round of negotiations with Ukraine and will maintain communication with the U.S.
However, Peskov noted the complexity of reaching a peace agreement, citing numerous unresolved nuances. Meanwhile, Kremlin foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov questioned Trump’s understanding of the conflict, suggesting he lacks insight into the ongoing Ukrainian-Russian confrontation and the frequency of attacks attributed to Ukraine in peaceful regions.
Ukraine's Counteroffensive Efforts
On the ground, Ukrainian forces have reported pushing back Russian troops by approximately four kilometers near the frontline town of Kostiantynivka in the eastern Donetsk region. This counter-advance comes after weeks of Russian territorial gains, including the capture of four border villages.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted that Russia has concentrated about 50,000 troops in the Sumy region, aiming for a large-scale offensive. He pointed out that Russian forces are also positioned near the Kursk front with intentions to expel Ukrainian troops and prepare for attacks in the Sumy border area. Despite this buildup, Kyiv claims to have taken steps to hinder Moscow's planned offensives in these regions.
The situation remains tense as diplomatic negotiations and military confrontations continue amidst efforts from various parties to seek a resolution to the conflict.
