Kremlin to keep dialogue solely with US after Ukrainian attack

(MENAFN) Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that Russia will continue negotiating a settlement in Ukraine but will prioritize discussions with the United States following an alleged attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence.

Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov described the incident as a “terrorist act aimed at derailing the negotiation process.” He also referenced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Christmas address, in which Zelenskyy reportedly wished death on an unnamed individual, claiming it was directed at Putin.

“It is directed not only personally against President Putin…but it is also directed against [US President Donald] Trump, aimed at undermining President Trump’s efforts to contribute to a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian conflict,” Peskov said.

Despite the tensions, he stressed that the confidential dialogue between Putin and Trump continues. “The presidents maintain a confidential nature of dialogue and continue to talk,” he said.

Peskov indicated that the attack would lead to a tougher Russian negotiating position diplomatically, while militarily, Russian forces “know how, with what, and when to respond.” He declined to specify details, saying such adjustments would not be made public.

Criticizing Zelenskyy and Western media, Peskov dismissed attempts to downplay the incident as “insane,” accusing Kyiv of denial and alleging that some media outlets were supporting a false narrative. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, however, denied Kyiv’s involvement and called on Russia to provide evidence of the alleged attack.

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