Kremlin Praises Freezing of U.S. Aid to Kyiv: “Best Contribution to Peace”
President Donald Trump’s moves to pressure Kyiv to engage in a political settlement of the conflict in Ukraine have increased Russia’s appetite to expedite the normalization of relations with Washington.
On Tuesday, the Kremlin praised the White House’s decision to freeze military aid to Kyiv, viewing it as “the best contribution to peace.” However, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov linked progress in this matter to clarification of the details of the U.S. decision, particularly since it was presented as a “temporary measure” to force President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept the settlement Washington is seeking. Moscow, however, hopes for more significant steps, including a permanent halt to aid and the lifting of sanctions imposed on Russia.
The Kremlin reiterated its welcome for Trump’s statements regarding his desire to bring peace to Ukraine “as soon as possible,” with Peskov stating that the U.S. president shows seriousness and commitment in his efforts. He believed that “a potential halt to U.S. military aid to Ukraine could prompt Kyiv to start the peace process.” He emphasized that this step “would be the best contribution from the United States to achieving peace.”
