The Kremlin has refuted U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine could be achieved through a drop in global oil prices. Trump made these comments during a video address to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, blaming the OPEC+ alliance for keeping oil prices high and prolonging the conflict.
A Kremlin spokesperson emphasized that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is rooted in broader geopolitical issues, particularly the West's alleged disregard for Russian security concerns. The spokesperson highlighted that the conflict is not tied to oil prices but rather to perceived threats to Russia's national security and the well-being of Russian-speaking populations in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to deploy troops in Ukraine in 2022 was framed as a defensive measure against perceived threats posed by Ukraine's potential NATO membership and to safeguard Russian interests in the region. This move has been strongly condemned by Ukraine and Western nations as an act of aggression.
Regarding Trump's claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is open to a peace deal, the Kremlin pointed out Zelenskyy's previous stance of refusing talks with Moscow. The Kremlin emphasized that dialogue is essential for reaching a settlement but noted Zelenskyy's self-imposed restrictions on engaging in negotiations.
Trump's threat of imposing taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on Russia if a peace agreement is not reached was closely monitored by the Kremlin. Despite past sanctions imposed by Trump, the Kremlin expressed readiness for constructive dialogue based on mutual respect and equality. The Kremlin highlighted the importance of signals from the U.S. administration to resume meaningful discussions.
In conclusion, the Kremlin reiterated its position that the conflict in Ukraine is complex and multifaceted, extending beyond economic factors like oil prices. The emphasis remains on addressing underlying security concerns and fostering diplomatic engagement to seek a lasting resolution to the conflict.
