Moscow: The Kremlin has expressed agreement with US President Donald Trump's claim that his administration gave Russia "nothing but grief." Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov conveyed this sentiment during a discussion with journalists, stating that if the US decides to halt military aid to Ukraine, it might push Kyiv towards a peace process.

According to Anadolu Agency, Peskov highlighted that during Trump's previous term, many sanctions against Russia were implemented, and the supply of arms to Ukraine began. Trump, speaking at an investment event in Washington, asserted that he provided Russia only with sanctions and military aid to Ukraine, specifically mentioning the supply of Javelins.

Peskov further remarked that the best contribution from the US towards peace would be to cease its funding of Ukraine. He noted that Moscow is open to efforts for resolving the Ukraine conflict, including those from Belarus. Peskov mentioned ongoing discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko regarding Ukraine, including a recent phone call about Lukashenko's planned visit to Russia.

As for the normalization of Russia-US relations, Peskov stated that it should involve lifting the sanctions imposed on Russia. He described these sanctions as illegal and a burden that hinders the normalization of bilateral relations. Despite this stance, Peskov acknowledged that there are currently no signs of progress towards removing these sanctions.

The backdrop to Peskov's comments includes the extensive sanctions imposed by Western nations on Russia since its annexation of Crimea in 2014, with additional restrictions following Russia's military actions in Ukraine in 2022. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the increased Western pressure on Moscow continue, and Trump has questioned the US's ongoing support for Kyiv.