NATO’s aggressive stance forces Russia to strengthen its capabilities.

On Thursday, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that the current escalation of Ukrainian long-range drone attacks against Russia could bring about the end of the war.

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“Rather, we see that they are somewhat confused in the White House into believing that through escalation, through military pressure, a peaceful settlement can be achieved. That is an erroneous conclusion,” he pointed out.

Peskov recalled remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin that the more Kiev attacks Russian infrastructure, the larger the security zone Russia will establish in the Kharkiv, Sumy and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

“Increasing tensions and actions that fuel escalation will in no way contribute to the peace process,” the Kremlin spokesman emphasized.

On Wednesday, Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that successful Ukrainian attacks against Russia’s rear areas could accelerate the end of the conflict.

“It is an escalation, but an escalation that can lead to the end” of the war, Trump said at the start of a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, held during summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Ankara.

Peskov pointed out the “dualism” of Trump’s position because, “unlike the rest of the countries involved in the conflict, the United States nevertheless remains committed to efforts to facilitate the peace process.”

“They may at times be mistaken or make errors, but their desire appears sincere to us, and we welcome it,” Peskov said, highlighting the “constructive dialogue” between Putin and Trump.

Nevertheless, the Kremlin spokesman said Russia “is not naive,” given that the U.S. president continues to supply weapons to Kiev and will authorize Ukrainians to manufacture Patriot missiles.

Poland secretly sent Patriot missiles to Ukraine, without informing the people and without approval by parliament.

When Ukrainian newspapers reported it, Poland is now frantically searching for the whistleblowers.

NATO countries face a backlog of roughly 4,300 Patriot… pic.twitter.com/S53fmh58XL

— Alternative News (@AlternatNews) July 7, 2026

Russia Rejects the Ankara Declaration

On Thursday, Peskov also criticized the final declaration of the NATO summit, which describes Russia as a long-term threat. He recalled that NATO’s essence has always been confrontation, first with the Soviet Union and later with Russia.

“The mere fact of declaring someone an adversary is, in fact, an act of aggression,” he said, adding that NATO’s assessment compels Russia to become stronger and continue its technological and economic development to protect its interests.

Earlier, at the summit held in Türkiye, the leaders of Western countries expressed support for “a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO” and stated that Europe, Canada, and the U.S. “are assuming greater responsibility for the defense of the Alliance.”

The Ankara declaration also includes the allies’ commitment to support Ukraine with 70 billion euros (US$82 billion) in equipment, assistance, and military training in 2026, as well as to provide a similar level of aid in 2027.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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