In a carefully staged interview with Russian state media, the Russian dictator has declared that reconciliation with Ukraine is “inevitable” and suggested that Russia has no need to use nuclear weapons. The statements, made during a discussion with propagandist journalist Pavel Zarubin, were broadcast as part of a broader attempt to portray the Kremlin as open to dialogue while it continues its brutal and illegal war against Ukraine.
The dictator claimed that “despite the tragedy we are experiencing now,” peace between Ukraine and Russia is a matter of time. These comments come amid ongoing missile strikes, drone attacks, and Russian military operations targeting Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. Ukrainian officials have dismissed the remarks as propaganda aimed at reshaping the Kremlin’s image ahead of symbolic dates, including Victory Day on 9 May.
During the interview, the Russian dictator stated that the West was attempting to provoke Moscow into making “mistakes,” specifically regarding the use of nuclear weapons. He insisted there was “no need” to use such arms and expressed hope that this would remain the case. However, these statements are at odds with previous nuclear threats repeatedly issued by Kremlin officials and state media.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded sharply to these claims, warning that any offer of reconciliation is not genuine and serves only to help the Russian dictator emerge from diplomatic isolation. He added that peace cannot be rushed or manipulated into a two or three day plan just for the Kremlin’s benefit.
The dictator’s timing and messaging appear calculated, seeking to present a softer face to international audiences while trying to drive a wedge between Ukraine and its allies. Yet on the ground, the war continues, with Ukrainian forces defending their territory against ongoing Russian aggression.
Kremlin rhetoric about peace has long been paired with military escalation, leading Ukrainian observers to view the latest comments as another disinformation tactic, designed to shift global attention away from Russia’s war crimes and military failures.
