Russia firm on Ukraine goals amid Trump's ultimatum

Russia is open to peace with Ukraine but achieving its goals remains a priority, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday, days after US President Donald Trump gave Moscow a 50-day deadline to agree to a ceasefire or face tougher sanctions.

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Peskov and other Russian officials have repeatedly rejected accusations from Kyiv and its Western partners of stalling peace talks.

Meanwhile, Moscow continues to intensify its long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities, launching more drones in a single night than it did during some entire months in 2024, and analysts say the barrages are likely to escalate.

"President (Vladimir) Putin has repeatedly spoken of his desire to bring the Ukrainian settlement to a peaceful conclusion as soon as possible. This is a long process, it requires effort, and it is not easy," Peskov told state TV reporter Pavel Zarubin.

"The main thing for us is to achieve our goals. Our goals are clear," he added.