A view shows the Kremlin in central Moscow, Russia, February 13, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/ File Photo
Kremlin Welcomes U.S. Position on NATO Membership for Ukraine
Moscow Expresses Satisfaction Over Reported U.S. Shift
The Kremlin stated on Monday that it welcomes the position of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration regarding the exclusion of NATO membership for Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that such a stance aligns with Russia’s own views and addresses one of Moscow’s longstanding security concerns.
“We have heard from Washington at various levels that Ukraine’s membership in NATO is excluded,” Peskov told reporters. “Of course, this is something that causes us satisfaction and coincides with our position.”
NATO Expansion Cited as Key Cause of Conflict
Peskov reiterated that the prospect of Ukraine joining the U.S.-led military alliance remains a fundamental issue for Moscow. “Ukrainian membership of NATO would threaten Russian interests,” he said, calling it “one of the root causes of this conflict.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, citing NATO’s eastward expansion as a key justification. Western nations, including then-President Joe Biden and European leaders, have characterized the invasion as an unprovoked act of aggression and a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Ukraine has long expressed its desire to join NATO and the European Union. In 2019, the Ukrainian parliament amended the constitution to formally commit to this path, reinforcing earlier NATO declarations from the 2008 Bucharest summit, which supported eventual membership for both Ukraine and Georgia.
Peace Prospects and Conditions Outlined by Moscow
President Putin has previously stated that a negotiated peace is possible if Ukraine agrees to abandon its NATO ambitions and withdraw from all territories claimed by Russia. These include four Ukrainian regions that Russia has declared as annexed and largely controls, although such claims are not internationally recognized.
According to a November 2024 Reuters report, Putin is open to negotiations with the Trump administration but remains unwilling to concede territory or compromise on Russia’s core demands, including Ukraine’s neutrality.
Trump Voices Optimism Over Potential Deal
President Trump has expressed hopes for an imminent peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, aiming to conclude the conflict swiftly. In a Truth Social post on Sunday, he wrote:
“BOTH WILL THEN START TO DO BIG BUSINESS WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WHICH IS THRIVING, AND MAKE A FORTUNE!”
Trump, who has positioned himself as a prospective peacemaker, has criticized past U.S. support for Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, asserting it contributed to the war.
Kremlin Remains Cautious on Peace Deal Timeline
When asked about Trump’s remarks and the possibility of a peace deal being reached this week, Peskov declined to speculate. “I don’t want to make any comments right now, especially about the timeframe,” he said. However, he confirmed that Moscow remains open to dialogue.
“President Putin and the Russian side remain open to seeking a peaceful settlement,” Peskov stated. “We are continuing to work with the American side and, of course, we hope that this work will yield results.”
Economic Indicators Respond to Peace Expectations
The Russian rouble appreciated significantly on Monday, trading close to 80 to the U.S. dollar—its strongest position since June 2024. The currency has gained over 40% this year, largely on expectations of a potential peace agreement and the de-escalation of the war.
Kremlin Declines Comment on Reported U.S. Recognition of Crimea
Peskov also refused to comment directly on a Bloomberg report suggesting that the United States may be prepared to recognize Russia’s control over Crimea as part of a broader peace arrangement.
“Work on finding a peaceful settlement cannot take place, and should not take place, in public,” Peskov emphasized. “It should take place in an absolutely discrete mode.”
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