Russia Strengthening Military While Pursuing Diplomatic Path to End Ukraine War

ISTANBUL, Oct 1 (VoM): Russia is reinforcing its military capabilities while remaining open to a diplomatic resolution of the war in Ukraine, the Kremlin said Wednesday, in response to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s comments that Washington must prepare for war to secure peace.

“We, too, prefer to strengthen our armed forces in every way possible, while remaining fully committed to peace and to resolving all issues, including the Ukrainian crisis, through diplomatic negotiations and political contacts,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Peskov noted that the maxim “if you want peace, prepare for war” is deeply rooted in history and widely used by politicians.

He acknowledged a “pause” in peace talks with Ukraine, stressing Moscow’s view that technical, expert-level negotiations are needed before any potential high-level summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“Unfortunately, we are unable to prepare such a meeting with the Ukrainian side right now because the Kyiv regime is in no hurry to continue the negotiation process,” Peskov said, citing slow responses to draft documents and to Russia’s proposal for creating three joint working groups.

Russia and Ukraine last held peace talks in Istanbul on May 16, June 2, and July 23, which resulted in prisoner exchanges and draft memoranda outlining each side’s positions. While Zelenskyy has expressed readiness to meet Putin face-to-face, such a meeting has not occurred since 2019. Putin has also voiced openness but maintains that conditions for meaningful talks have yet to be established.

Turning to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), Peskov dismissed Zelenskyy’s accusation that Russia is damaging the facility as “foolish.”

“It’s absurd to claim that Russia would bomb a station it controls. This is a Russian station under our control, and we ensure its security,” he said, adding that Moscow remains in contact with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Zelenskyy warned late Tuesday of a “critical” situation at the plant, citing the failure of one emergency diesel generator. The plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, has experienced its 10th and longest power outage since the start of the war in February 2022.

According to the IAEA, the facility currently has eight operating diesel generators, nine in standby mode, and fuel reserves lasting over 10 days. IAEA monitors have been stationed at the plant since September 2022, which has been under Russian control since March that year.

The dispute underscores ongoing risks surrounding the war’s impact on critical infrastructure, even as diplomatic channels between Moscow and Kyiv remain stalled.