Kremlin denies Russia plans to restore Soviet spheres of influence in Europe

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has firmly denied reports claiming that Russia intends to restore the Soviet Union’s spheres of influence in Europe, saying such assertions do not correspond to reality. 

During a briefing with journalists, Peskov said this is absolutely not true, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

He added that the credibility of such reports in Western media is questionable and, if accurate, they would indicate that intelligence services are making erroneous assessments and conclusions.

Earlier, reports cited alleged US intelligence assessments claiming Russia plans to “seize all of Ukraine” and the Baltic states. In mid-December, German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he believes Vladimir Putin is interested in restoring the Soviet Union within its former borders and urged Europe to maintain unity and continue supporting Ukraine.

Separately, Peskov also commented on recent Russia–US contacts, noting that Kirill Dmitriev, Russia’s presidential special representative for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries, will report to Vladimir Putin after returning to Moscow.

The spokesperson said Dmitriev is still en route, describing the journey as long, and will brief the president once he arrives.

US and Russian envoys met in Miami on December 20–21 to discuss a US‑proposed peace plan aimed at ending Russia’s nearly four‑year war in Ukraine, with Russian presidential representative Kirill Dmitriev saying the talks were proceeding “constructively.”

The discussions are part of the Trump administration’s broader diplomatic push and follow parallel meetings earlier in the week between US, Ukrainian and European officials on refining a 20‑point framework for ending hostilities, including security guarantees and economic recovery measures.

By Jeyhun Aghazada