Moscow, July 9 (HS/RIA Novosti): The Kremlin on Thursday described the dialogue between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump as constructive despite differences between the two countries, while reiterating Moscow's opposition to any proposal involving NATO military involvement in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said President Putin remains open to dialogue with President Trump, adding that the leaders maintain a constructive channel of communication despite disagreements on several issues.
There is a really constructive dialogue, despite certain differences that may occur, Peskov told reporters.
He, however, clarified that no telephone conversation took place between the two leaders on July 8.
Commenting on Trump's recent remarks that Washington could help ensure the closure of Ukrainian airspace as part of future security guarantees, Peskov said the proposal had not been discussed previously and represented a new development.
This is a new statement. There have been no such statements before, and no one has discussed the topic of 'closing the sky', he said.
Peskov cautioned that any such arrangement involving NATO forces operating over Ukraine would fundamentally alter the situation.
In any case, it would mean that the armed forces of a NATO country would be operating on the territory of Ukraine. This is precisely what the special military operation is being carried out against, he said.
The Kremlin spokesman also said Russia proceeds on the understanding that the United States continues to supply weapons to Ukraine, while at the same time attempting to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Unlike other countries involved in this conflict, the United States remains committed and continues trying to contribute to the peace process. We assess all statements through that prism, Peskov said.
At the same time, he argued that any belief within the US administration that further escalation could help achieve peace was misguided.
According to Peskov, increasing military tensions would not contribute to a settlement but instead prolong the conflict. He expressed hope that Washington would continue efforts toward resolving the crisis through dialogue, warning that continued escalation could compel Russia to establish a larger buffer zone along its border.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar