The Kremlin said Monday that Russia is working to strengthen its armed forces, responding to remarks by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that the United States must prepare for war in order to secure peace.
“We also prefer to reinforce our armed forces in every possible way, while continuing to fully support peace and remaining open to resolving all problems, including the Ukrainian crisis, through diplomatic negotiations and political contacts,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
He further warned European leaders that Russia will prosecute any individual or country that seizes its assets, stressing that such actions would harm European deposits and investments as well.
When asked about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s interview with Axios, where he indicated Kyiv was ready to state that it would seek to regain its territory only through diplomatic means in the future, Peskov said the negotiation process was currently on hold. He claimed Kyiv—accusing Moscow of making unreasonable demands amounting to capitulation—was not eager to resume talks.
Peskov also dismissed as “nonsense” Ukraine’s accusations that Russia bombed the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, pointing out that Moscow controls the facility.
The massive Soviet-era plant has been cooled by emergency diesel generators for nine consecutive days after an external power line failed. Peskov insisted Russia was doing everything possible to ensure its safety, blaming Ukrainian forces for repeated attacks.
Russia has controlled the Zaporizhzhia station—the largest nuclear power plant in Europe—since the early days of its invasion of Ukraine. The facility remains dangerously close to the frontlines of fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces.
