The Kremlin rejected President Donald Trump's claim that increased Ukrainian attacks on targets inside Russia could hasten the end of the war, warning that increased military pressure would only prolong the conflict and diminish chances of reaching a peace deal.

During his daily press conference, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitri Peskov assured that the US administration maintains a wrong interpretation about the impact of the military escalation. “To think that increased pressure or military action will lead to a peaceful solution is a wrong conclusion,” said Peskov, responding to statements made by Trump during the NATO summit in Turkey.

The US president maintained on Wednesday, during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, that the recent long-range attacks carried out by Ukraine against Russian territory represent an escalation of the conflict, but that the same pressure could bring both parties closer to a definitive outcome.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio supported that assessment by considering that Ukrainian operations on Russian strategic installations could change the course of the war.

Moscow warns that it will expand its security zone

In response, Peskov recalled that Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any increase in attacks against Russian territory will lead Moscow to expand the so-called “security zone” within Ukraine. According to the spokesperson, this strategy could extend military operations to regions such as Kharkiv, Sumi and Dnipropetrovsk, with the aim of warding off threats against Russian infrastructure.

The official insisted that Russia continues to consider diplomatic means as the preferable option to resolve the conflict, although he assured that it will continue with its military objectives as long as, in his opinion, kyiv does not show willingness to negotiate. Peskov also described as an unprecedented proposal the possibility raised by Trump of closing Ukrainian airspace to avoid future hostilities, warning that such a measure would imply the direct participation of NATO forces in Ukrainian territory.

“That is precisely one of the scenarios that gave rise to the special military operation,” said the Kremlin spokesman.

Russia sees “ambivalent” stance from Washington

The Kremlin also described US policy toward the conflict as “ambivalent.” Peskov acknowledged that Moscow perceives Trump's genuine interest in promoting peace negotiations and positively valued the dialogue that the US president maintains with Putin.

However, he stressed that Russia is cautiously watching Washington's actions because the United States continues to supply weapons and military assistance to Ukraine.

Among those measures he mentioned US support to strengthen Ukrainian air defense and support for new missile systems, actions that, according to Moscow, contradict diplomatic efforts.

Formal talks between Russia and Ukraine have remained stalled for several months. While kyiv insists on obtaining international security guarantees to avoid a new Russian offensive, the Kremlin maintains its main demands unchanged, which keeps the possibilities of an agreement in the short term at bay and leaves the conflict in a new stage of uncertainty.