Medinsky: Russia Wants Peace, but Will Respond if Kyiv Serves Foreign Interests

Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky stated that while Moscow seeks peace, it will be forced to respond if Ukraine continues its confrontation in service of foreign powers.

Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, Medinsky said, “We want peace. But if Ukraine persists in fighting on behalf of others, we will simply have to respond.”

He criticized Western perceptions of the conflict, arguing that it is not a traditional war between two distinct nations but a civil war between two peoples who share a common language, culture, and historical ties. He likened it to a sibling rivalry, intensified by external influences.

“This is a conflict between elder and younger brothers, each asserting superiority,” he explained. “We want to end it as soon as possible.”

Medinsky stressed that Russia cannot be defeated in a prolonged war, referencing the 21-year conflict with Sweden, which ended in Russia’s territorial expansion.

He warned that Kyiv’s unwillingness to engage in dialogue would only result in further territorial losses.

The second round of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul on June 2. According to Medinsky, Russia began repatriating over 6,000 Ukrainian casualties and agreed to exchange wounded prisoners. However, the Ukrainian side reportedly failed to appear at the agreed-upon exchange location.