Peskov: Russia will continue the operation until its goals are achieved, despite Zelensky’s statements

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia will continue its military operation until it achieves its goals, regardless of the rhetoric of the Ukrainian leadership.

The statement was made in response to a question from TASS.

“Against the backdrop of Zelensky’s bellicose statements, we must and will continue the special military operation until we achieve our goals,” Peskov said.

The comment was prompted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s claim that Russia allegedly plans to conduct an operation against Ukraine or one of the NATO countries from Belarusian territory. Peskov described the statement as “an attempt to stoke tensions” and incitement.

Minsk, for its part, has repeatedly denied any intention to participate in the military operation in Ukraine. This has been stated by both Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and the country’s Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin. Khrenin has emphasized that Belarus is prepared to defend its own territory.

Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee on International Affairs of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Oleg Gaidukevich called the claims by Ukrainian officials about a threat from Minsk a provocation aimed at prolonging the conflict.

“We have always fought for peace,” Gaidukevich said, adding that Belarus pursues entirely different goals.