Kremlin says Ukraine war could end “within a day”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday, June 2, that the war in Ukraine could end within a day if Kyiv orders its forces to withdraw from territories claimed by Moscow.

Speaking at the press briefing, Peskov said a rapid resolution was possible under conditions repeatedly outlined by Russia.

“With regard to Zelenskyy and ending the war by the end of the year: the war can be ended before the end of the day, we have also repeatedly said this. For this, Zelenskyy needs to give an order to his armed forces to leave the territory of Russian regions,” he said.

Peskov added that Moscow remains open to negotiations with Kyiv, although formal talks are currently suspended.

“President [Russia’s Vladimir] Putin said as recently as in Astana that the process is indeed on pause now. But this does not mean that there are no contacts with the Americans. Contacts through existing channels continue on a regular basis,” he said.

At the same time, he said Russian forces continue to carry out what he described as systematic strikes on Ukraine’s military infrastructure, including in Kyiv and other cities, citing a recent statement by the Foreign Ministry.

“You can see that systematic strikes are being carried out on the military infrastructure of Kyiv and other cities, as was stated in a recent statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry. (...) As for the negotiation process, we have always said that despite everything, it is preferable for us to achieve our goals by peaceful means. (...) Therefore yes, we will achieve our goals, and we are ready to achieve them by peaceful means, through peaceful negotiations. If not, if the other side continues to delay the process, refuses genuine peace negotiations and serious decisions that would open the path to a peaceful settlement, the special military operation will continue,” Peskov said.

By Tamilla Hasanova