In a significant statement on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the Kremlin announced that Moscow is intensifying efforts to strengthen its military capabilities while simultaneously advocating for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. This dual approach was articulated by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov during a press briefing, in direct response to comments made by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who emphasized that Washington must prepare for war to secure peace. Peskov’s remarks reflect Russia’s complex stance, balancing military preparedness with diplomatic overtures, as tensions with Ukraine and the broader international community persist.
Peskov addressed Hegseth’s invocation of the ancient adage, “If you want peace, prepare for war,” noting that the phrase is far from novel and deeply rooted in historical discourse. “This is not a new expression; it is embedded in history and used by many politicians,” Peskov remarked, framing Russia’s military buildup as a prudent measure rather than an escalation. He underscored Moscow’s commitment to peace, stating, “We, too, prefer to strengthen our armed forces in every way possible, while remaining fully committed to peace and remaining open to resolving all issues, including the Ukrainian crisis, through diplomatic negotiations and political contacts.” This statement encapsulates Russia’s strategy of maintaining a robust defense posture while keeping channels open for dialogue.
The Kremlin’s comments come amid a prolonged stalemate in peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Peskov acknowledged a “pause” in talks, attributing the slowdown to reluctance from the Ukrainian side. He emphasized that expert-level discussions must precede any high-level summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “High-level contact by itself cannot bring peace,” Peskov argued, describing the Ukrainian crisis as a “complex and challenging issue” that requires meticulous groundwork. He expressed frustration with Kyiv’s pace, noting, “Unfortunately, we are unable to prepare such a meeting with the Ukrainian side right now because the Kyiv regime is in no hurry to continue the negotiation process.”
Peskov pointed to the sluggish progress in the Istanbul process, where Russia and Ukraine have held three rounds of renewed peace talks—on May 16, June 2, and July 23, 2025. These discussions, hosted in the Turkish metropolis, have yielded tangible outcomes, including major prisoner exchanges and draft memoranda outlining both sides’ positions for a potential peace agreement. However, Peskov criticized Ukraine for its slow response to draft documents and a Russian proposal to establish three working groups to streamline negotiations. This perceived lack of urgency from Kyiv, according to Peskov, has hindered momentum toward a resolution.
On the Ukrainian side, President Zelenskyy has accused Moscow of deliberately stalling the peace process. In recent statements, Zelenskyy reiterated his willingness to meet Putin face-to-face, a prospect that has not materialized since their last in-person encounter in 2019. Putin, in turn, has expressed openness to such a meeting but insists that the necessary conditions—primarily progress in lower-level talks—have not yet been met. This mutual readiness for dialogue, coupled with mutual accusations of delay, underscores the fragility and complexity of the negotiation process.
Beyond the diplomatic front, Peskov addressed escalating concerns surrounding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, which has been under Russian control since March 2022. Responding to Zelenskyy’s claims that Russia is damaging the plant, Peskov dismissed the accusations as “foolish.” He asserted, “It’s foolish, to say the least, to accuse the Russian side of bombing a station it controls. This is a Russian station; it’s under our control, and therefore the Russian side ensures security at this station.” Peskov’s remarks were a direct rebuttal to Zelenskyy’s Tuesday evening address, in which the Ukrainian leader described the situation at the plant as “critical” following the failure of one of the facility’s emergency diesel generators.
The Zaporizhzhia plant has been a flashpoint in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with both sides trading blame for disruptions to its operations. Since last week, Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other of causing the plant’s 10th and longest power outage since the war began in February 2022. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which has maintained a presence at the facility since September 1, 2022, reported on Tuesday that the plant is equipped with eight operational emergency diesel generators and nine additional units in standby mode. The IAEA also confirmed that the facility has fuel reserves sufficient for more than 10 days, bolstered by regular offsite supplies. Russia, according to Peskov, remains in constant communication with the IAEA, providing updates on the plant’s status to ensure transparency and safety.
The Kremlin’s broader narrative reflects a delicate balancing act: reinforcing its military strength to project power and deter adversaries while advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. This approach aligns with Russia’s historical reliance on military might as a cornerstone of its foreign policy, even as it navigates the complexities of international diplomacy. Peskov’s comments also signal Moscow’s intent to maintain control over strategic assets like the Zaporizhzhia plant, framing its stewardship as a stabilizing force rather than a point of contention.
The situation at Zaporizhzhia underscores the broader humanitarian and geopolitical stakes of the Russia-Ukraine war. The plant’s repeated power outages and the mutual accusations of sabotage highlight the risks of military operations near critical infrastructure. The IAEA’s ongoing monitoring provides a measure of international oversight, but the lack of progress in resolving the conflict raises concerns about the potential for further incidents. Both sides’ willingness to engage in talks, albeit with preconditions, offers a glimmer of hope, but the path to peace remains fraught with obstacles.
As the war continues, the international community watches closely, with figures like U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth emphasizing preparedness as a prerequisite for peace. The Kremlin’s response, as articulated by Peskov, mirrors this sentiment but frames it within Russia’s own strategic priorities. The interplay of military posturing, diplomatic maneuvering, and control over key infrastructure like Zaporizhzhia will likely shape the trajectory of the conflict in the coming months. For now, Moscow’s message is clear: it is ready to strengthen its defenses while keeping the door open for negotiations, even as the prospects for a swift resolution remain uncertain.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, now in its fourth year, continues to challenge global stability, with ripple effects felt across Europe and beyond. The Kremlin’s latest statements reflect a calculated effort to project strength and resilience while navigating the delicate balance of war and diplomacy. Whether this approach will lead to meaningful progress in peace talks or further entrench the conflict remains to be seen, but the stakes—for Ukraine, Russia, and the international community—could not be higher.
