MOSCOW, Sept 25 (AFP): The Kremlin said Wednesday that "forcing" Russia into peace would be a "fatal mistake," rejecting comments made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the United Nations.
Zelensky said Tuesday that Russia can only be forced into a peace settlement and vowed not to negotiate on Moscow's terms to end the conflict.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Wednesday that "such a position is a fatal mistake, a systemic mistake." "It is a profound misconception that will inevitably have consequences for the Kyiv regime," he added.
"Russia is in favour of peace, but with the conditions that its stability is ensured and the objectives of the special military operation are fulfilled," he added, using Moscow's official language for the Ukraine campaign.
"Without the achievement of these goals, it is impossible to coerce Russia," Peskov said. Zelensky is in the United States this week hoping to boost international backing for Kyiv.
"We know some in the world want to talk" to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelensky told the UN on Tuesday. Clad in his trademark military fatigues, he called such views "insanity."
"Russia can only be forced into peace, and that is exactly what's needed-forcing Russia into peace," he added.
Zelensky to take UN stage
in plea to sustain support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky takes center stage at the United Nations on Wednesday as he seeks to sustain global support ahead of US elections that could bring a sharp shift from his top backer.
Zelensky, clad in his trademark military fatigues, a year ago made a dramatic first wartime appearance before the annual UN General Assembly as he urged international pressure on Russia over its invasion.
One year later, Zelensky may still enjoy star power, but Ukraine faces rising headwinds as Russian troops advance in the east and US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump threatens to close the books on military aid.
