Kremlin seeks clarification on US stance over potential troop deployment to Ukraine
Spokesman says Russia expects details in upcoming talks with Washington
MOSCOW
The Kremlin on Friday called for clarification on recent remarks by US Vice President JD Vance regarding the possible deployment of American troops to Ukraine and new anti-Russian sanctions, saying these statements introduce “new elements” in Washington’s position.
Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia expects further explanation during upcoming contacts with US officials.
"We have not heard such formulations before, they have not been expressed previously," Peskov said. "Naturally, during the very contacts we discussed, we hope to receive further clarification."
In an interview with the US media, Vance said the option of sending the US military to Ukraine "remains under consideration" by Washington in case Moscow refuses to resolve the conflict. He added that the US could use both "economic and military leverages" against Russia.
Peskov also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump had tasked their aides with preparing for a personal meeting following their phone conversation on Wednesday. However, he acknowledged that organizing such talks would take "a certain number of days."
Asked whether discussions could take place on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, scheduled for Feb. 14-16, Peskov neither confirmed nor denied the possibility.
Amid media reports suggesting that the US Air Force plane, which transported Russian citizen Alexander Vinnik to Moscow in exchange for American citizen Mark Fogel, might pick up the Russian delegation for negotiations in Munich on its return trip, Peskov said he had no knowledge of such plans.
"I can only say that it is highly unlikely for Russian officials to use an American military aircraft. That’s how it seems to me," he said.
Commenting on US President Donald Trump’s statement that Russia’s exclusion from the G8 in 2014 was "a mistake," Peskov said the group had lost relevance for Moscow, which now prioritizes cooperation with G20.
The comments come after Putin and Trump held their first official phone call since Trump took office, discussing key global and bilateral issues.
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