Kremlin: No Illusions About US Sanctions, Relations Still in Early Phase
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia holds no exaggerated expectations regarding the potential extension of US sanctions, emphasizing that Moscow and Washington are merely at the initial stages of normalizing and rebuilding their relationship.
Peskov described recent contacts, such as the meeting between President Vladimir Putin and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, as “useful and effective,” allowing both sides to exchange direct insights. However, he clarified that there are no ongoing discussions about a possible summit between the Russian and American presidents.
On military matters, Peskov asserted that Russian forces only strike military and paramilitary targets in Ukraine. He also addressed European involvement, criticizing Western leaders like Germany’s Friedrich Merz—widely seen as a future chancellor—for backing a more aggressive stance. He added that European capitals appear more focused on provoking the conflict than pursuing peaceful solutions.
Regarding media reports from Turkey about alleged secret talks between Russia and Ukraine in Ankara, the Kremlin declined to comment.
