Response to Kyiv's Escalation Only Way to Pursue Russia's Interests, Peskov Says

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that responding to what Moscow describes as escalation from Kyiv remains the only way for Russia to pursue its interests, according to a report by TASS.

Peskov reiterated that Russia continues to prefer achieving peace through peaceful means. However, he said that until such a resolution becomes possible, Russian forces "will fight with full force."

Kremlin's Position

The comments reflect the Kremlin's long-standing position that Moscow remains open to negotiations while insisting it will not scale back its military operations in response to actions it attributes to Kyiv. Peskov did not specify what particular steps by Ukraine prompted his remarks.

Russian officials have repeatedly framed their continued military campaign as a response to Ukrainian and Western actions, while stating a readiness, in principle, to pursue a diplomatic settlement under conditions acceptable to Moscow.

The statement comes amid ongoing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides periodically signaling openness to talks even as fighting continues on multiple fronts. No timeline for renewed negotiations was given in Peskov's remarks as reported.