ISTANBUL

The Kremlin argued on Wednesday that peace in Ukraine can be achieved if Kyiv pulls its troops from territories in the country under Russian control.

“If Ukraine withdraws its troops from these four regions, then yes,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the French weekly Le Point in an interview, in response to a question about the possibility of ending the conflict under this condition.

He also noted that US President Donald Trump has not set any deadlines for a ceasefire in Ukraine, calling the idea “inappropriate.”

“Trump never set any dates. And we don’t think setting a deadline is appropriate either. President (Vladimir) Putin supports a ceasefire,” he said, emphasizing that any negotiations between Moscow and Washington on restoring relations should be viewed separately from peace talks on Ukraine.

However, Peskov added: “A resolution of the conflict with Ukraine is not possible without restoring normal relations between Washington and Moscow.”

Asked about Putin’s view of Trump, Peskov said the Russian president “respects Trump because he is a strong political figure and a strong person.”

“The meeting between Trump and Putin should be productive. Preparatory work is currently underway,” Peskov added.

In his remarks, he stressed both leaders “primarily defend the interests of their own countries” but share a willingness “to resolve the most difficult issues through discussions.”