Kremlin: Sarmat missile test strengthens Russia’s position in Ukraine war

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has praised the latest test launch of its intercontinental ballistic missile Sarmat, with officials describing it as a significant long-term contribution to national security.

Peskov said President Vladimir Putin had given a highly positive assessment of the launch, calling it “a very important event for the country and for Russia’s security for many years ahead”.

Peskov added that such missile tests are conducted with prior notification and in accordance with international practice, noting that Moscow had not yet received an official response from Washington.

Separately, the Kremlin official said that progress towards peace negotiations with Ukraine would require President Vladimir Zelenskyy to order Ukrainian forces to cease fire and withdraw from what Russia describes as its territory.

“Only at that point would a ceasefire take place, and the sides could calmly engage in negotiations, which will inevitably be complex and involve a large number of important details,” Peskov said.

He also said Russia maintains contact with the United States on the Ukraine settlement and continues to exchange information with Kyiv via Washington as an intermediary.

On broader relations with the US, Peskov suggested there remains potential for mutually beneficial economic cooperation, including in investment and trade, if political conditions allow.

“As the US side becomes ready not to link the normalisation of trade and economic relations with the Ukrainian settlement, or as the Ukrainian settlement takes place, then we hope the path to the implementation of a number of economic projects will be open,” he said.

Peskov reiterated that Russia’s conditions for negotiations remain unchanged, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from all territories Moscow claims, including Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.