Russia has said the war in Ukraine could end immediately if President Volodymyr Zelensky makes what the Kremlin described as necessary and well-known decisions.
The statement was made by Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov in an interview published on April 12 by Russian media outlets, including RIA Novosti and the television program Vesti.
Speaking in Tashkent during an official visit, Peskov said Moscow wants a sustainable peace and insists all conditions for achieving it are already in place.
He said Russia’s position has not changed since the start of what it calls its special military operation.
“We want a sustainable world, and sustainable peace can come when we ensure our interests and achieve the goals that were set from the very beginning. This can be done literally today. But Zelensky must make those well‑known decisions,” Peskov stated.
Russia Intensifies Pressure on Ukraine
Russia has not publicly detailed the full list of demands it refers to, but it has repeatedly said Ukraine must recognize Russia’s control over occupied territories, abandon plans to join NATO, and accept security arrangements demanded by Moscow.
Peskov said negotiations on the Ukrainian track have been frozen and blamed the pause on the United States (U.S).
He said Russia remains sympathetic to the involvement of American representatives but claimed Washington had halted meaningful dialogue.
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He also said Russia continues to receive applications from alternative markets to supply natural gas, as European countries reduce their reliance on Russian energy.
According to Peskov, Europe’s rejection of Russian energy carriers reflects short‑sighted political thinking, especially as the European Union still has options to receive gas even if Russia refuses to supply its market.
Peskov said a number of European countries, including Britain and Poland, have for years portrayed Russia as a convenient enemy to resolve domestic political issues.
He added that Russia’s size and military strength continue to cause concern across Europe.
He dismissed claims that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is weakening, calling it reckless and short‑sighted to underestimate NATO’s strength.
However, he said changing global realities would force the alliance to transform.
“I don’t think we can talk about the collapse of the alliance. Because one way or another, the European component will grow,” Peskov added.
Peskov said Europe may move toward creating an independent defense alliance alongside or separate from NATO.
He said such discussions reflect shifting security priorities across the continent.
On military matters, Peskov said instructions to Russian warships escorting oil and gas tankers are not public for security reasons.
He also said President Vladimir Putin pays close attention to protecting Russian interests from what Moscow describes as international piracy.
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Russia continues to argue that it has alternative energy markets and that pressure from Europe has accelerated its pivot toward Asia and other regions.
Peskov said gas supply requests from non‑European markets remain strong.
Easter truce and Future Negotiations
Peskov said any negotiations on Ukraine will be difficult and slow, regardless of timing.
He described recent diplomatic conditions as complex and said progress would depend on decisions made in Kyiv.
He also described Russia’s Easter ceasefire announcement as a humanitarian gesture ordered by President Putin.
According to Peskov, the move was intended to provide civilians with respite from the fighting during the religious period.
Peskov said Russia would continue military operations until its objectives are secured, while remaining open to talks if Ukraine meets Moscow’s conditions.
He said statements alleging Russia is seeking to prolong the war are false.
In earlier remarks, Peskov also said that what he called the “new world order” would persist until Ukraine’s leadership agrees to make peace with Russia.
Ukrainian officials have rejected Russia’s conditions in the past, saying any peace process must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
