Russia Embraces US Stance on Ukraine's NATO Membership
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Synopsis
Russia has welcomed the US declaration that Ukraine's NATO membership is not a viable option, according to spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. The statement aligns with Moscow's stance amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Russia approves US stance on Ukraine's NATO membership.
- Dmitry Peskov confirms satisfaction with US statements.
- Trump believes Ukrainian ambitions may have triggered conflict.
- Easter truce observed by Russian forces.
- Numerous ceasefire violations reported by Ukraine during truce.
Moscow, April 21 (NationPress) Russia has expressed its approval of the United States' assertions that Ukraine's NATO membership is not a possibility, as per remarks from Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday.
“We have noted various statements from Washington indicating that Ukraine’s NATO membership is off the table. This is a development that brings us satisfaction and aligns with our position,” the Russian state-run news agency TASS reported Peskov as saying.
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump remarked that, despite the aspirations of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his country to join NATO, it is an unattainable goal. Trump also implied that the conflict in Ukraine might have been prompted by Kyiv's ambitions to enter the alliance.
Furthermore, Trump expressed optimism for a resolution to the Ukrainian crisis in the upcoming week.
“I hope that Russia and Ukraine will reach an agreement this week. Both countries can then commence significant business with the United States,” he posted on his Truth Social platform.
In a related context, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a halt to hostilities ahead of Easter, during a Saturday meeting with Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov. The 30-hour truce was effective from 6:00 p.m. Moscow time on April 19 until midnight on April 21.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported on Monday that Russian forces adhered strictly to the ceasefire during the Easter truce, remaining at their designated positions.
“In accordance with the directive from the supreme commander-in-chief of the Russian Armed Forces, all battlegroups adhered to the ceasefire and maintained their positions in the special military operation area during the specified timeframe,” the ministry stated.
Nevertheless, despite the declared Easter truce, Ukrainian military units continued to conduct artillery fire and drone strikes against Russian positions and civilian infrastructure in the border regions of Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk, as well as the Republic of Crimea, according to the ministry.
During the truce, a total of 4,900 ceasefire violations by the Ukrainian armed forces were recorded.
