Russian President Vladimir Putin is hoping that the next U.S. leader will be “more constructive,” according to the government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
During an interview with NBC News on Friday, Peskov said that Putin would like to work with U.S. leaders who understand the “importance of dialogue” and understands the need to be “more constructive” towards Russia.
Putin hopes for 'more constructive' US president in international dialogue, warns America must 'be careful' https://t.co/k3NnbZ0X0B
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As he put it, the White House needs to “understand that from now on, you have to be more careful with Russia and you have to take into account its concerns.”
Peskov was not direct in his remarks as he avoided name calling President Joe Biden or offering any suggestions for what presidential replacements would do better with the Russian government.
He did, however, criticize the U.S. government for continuing to fund Ukraine, a move he believes is not only a waste of taxpayer funds but is responsible for prolonging the war.
“You have to understand your responsibility for this. You are making this conflict longer,” he stated, going further to liken the U.S. support for Ukraine to an act of “war” on Russia.
According to the Russian official, the U.S. sending monetary to Ukraine is equivalent to “telling them [Ukrainians] — go and die.”
“Don’t worry, we [the U.S.] will give you enough money and enough armaments, but you should go and die. And you know pretty well they cannot win,” he stated.
Peskov’s remarks come the same week Putin maintained his stance of keeping the war going until his goals are met. The president had expressed confidence in the country’s military power, pointing to over 600,000 soldiers stationed in Ukraine.
“There is no need [for additional mobilization,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian government is looking to the U.S. for additional funding, which most Republican lawmakers are kicking against based on the notion that the government should prioritize its worsening border situation over continuously backing another country’s war.
Biden is, however, insistent on putting Ukraine first as he assured the nation’s President Volodymyr Zelensky during a visit to Washington D.C., of more support, telling him the U.S. would come through with aid “for as long as we can.”