Russia Kremlin praises Zelensky and awaits new US course

The Kremlin has responded positively to the latest statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on possible negotiations in the war between the two countries. "This is certainly better than statements that any contacts with the Russian side and with the Russian head of state are ruled out," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in Moscow. "Of course, it is much better to talk about dialog in one tone or another than to talk about the intention to fight to the last Ukrainian."

In an interview with the BBC, Zelensky had previously said that he could also talk to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, although he had actually ruled this out by decree. In the interview, Zelensky reaffirmed his willingness in principle to negotiate with Russian representatives at a new peace summit. "And whether it will be Putin or not makes no difference," he said.

Peskov said that it remained to be seen what was actually behind Zelensky's statements. Russia had rejected Zelensky's participation in a peace summit and also questioned his legitimacy as president. In response to the Russian annexation of the Ukrainian territories of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk in autumn 2022, Zelensky declared negotiations with Putin impossible by decree.

Peskov: "Nothing good to expect" from Biden

Peskov also made it clear, as he had during the night, that Russia was taking a wait-and-see approach following US President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the US presidential election campaign. As long as Biden remains in office, nothing will change in terms of US aid for Ukraine, which will prolong the war. "Nothing good is to be expected," said Peskov. "This will not lead to a solution to the conflict over Ukraine." Russia's priority is to pursue its own goals in the neighboring country to the end.

Moscow: Harris has so far made no contribution to the relationship

Nevertheless, the future of Russian-American relations is of great importance to Moscow because they are "now going through the worst time in their history". Peskov was also cautious about the role of US Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Biden is proposing as a candidate. So far, she has not made any concrete contribution to the relationship between the two countries, but only rather unfriendly remarks about Russia.