Russia sticks to goals

RUSSIA is open to peace with Ukraine but achieving “our goals” remains a priority, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said, days after United States President Donald Trump gave Moscow a deadline to agree to a ceasefire or face tougher sanctions.

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Mr Peskov and other Russian officials have repeatedly rejected accusations from Kyiv and its Western partners of stalling peace talks, as Moscow has continued to intensify its long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities. Analysts say the drone and missile barrages are likely to escalate.

Mr Peskov told state TV reporter Pavel Zarubin: “[Russia's] 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.