Moscow: Russia considers statements by EU leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, linking unusual drone flights in various parts of Europe to Moscow as 'baseless and sweeping,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
According to Anadolu Agency, Peskov criticized European politicians who tend to blame Russia for various issues without foundation. He urged EU leaders to avoid linking every unusual drone flight to Russia and encouraged them to broaden their perspectives. Peskov mentioned a recent incident where a local aviation enthusiast was arrested in a European city while testing a drone, an event unrelated to Russia, to illustrate his point.
In recent days, several European countries have reported unidentified drone flights that led to temporary airspace closures and security alerts. Amid these developments, Brussels has proposed building a 'drone wall' along the EU's eastern borders, while local media and officials increasingly associate these incidents with alleged Russian activities.
The Kremlin also expressed approval of US President Donald Trump's remarks regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to extend the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). Peskov stated that Trump's support for Putin's initiative provides grounds for optimism, although Moscow has not received official signals from Washington.
Trump described Putin's offer to maintain START limits for another year after its expiration as 'a good idea.' This proposal was announced by Putin during a meeting with Russia's Security Council, emphasizing that it would apply only if the US reciprocated.
Separately, Peskov dismissed reports suggesting that China was assisting Russia with satellite guidance for strikes on Ukrainian targets. He affirmed that Russia possesses all necessary capabilities for its military operations, including space-based technologies. Western media previously cited claims of Chinese reconnaissance satellites flying over the Lviv region during Russian strikes, which Beijing denied, asserting its objective stance on the conflict.