“Not discussed at the moment”
Kremlin: State of war in Russia not necessary
May 31, 2023, 3:01 p.m
After the drone attacks against Moscow, Putin’s confidante Kadyrov calls for the imposition of martial law in Russia. However, this is not currently planned, says Kremlin spokesman Peskov. On the other hand, he is concerned about the situation in Belgorod.
Despite the drone attacks against Moscow and the ongoing shelling of Russian regions on the border with Ukraine, the Kremlin sees no need to introduce martial law in the country. The imposition of a state of war is currently not being discussed, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. According to the media, he was reacting to demands from the head of the Russian republic of Chechnya in the North Caucasus, Ramzan Kadyrov.
After the drone attacks against Moscow on Tuesday, the Putin confidant had called for tougher crackdowns on Ukraine and the imposition of martial law. Peskov emphasized that the decision rests with Moscow and not with the regions. At the same time, he once again expressed his concern about the ongoing shelling, particularly in the Russian border region of Belgorod. “The situation there is quite alarming. Measures are being taken,” said Peskow.
“We would have liked to hear words of condemnation”
Heavily armed fighters with military technology entered the region on Monday last week from Ukrainian territory. It is said to have been a voluntary association of Russian citizens fighting on the side of Ukraine. However, it remained unclear whether and how the fighters were cooperating with Kiev. More than 70 attackers were “destroyed,” the Defense Ministry said in Moscow. Nevertheless, the attacks continue.
After the attacks in Belgorod and against Moscow, Peskov was surprised that “so far we have not heard a single word of condemnation – not from a single country that belongs to the collective West”. Russia accuses Ukraine of terrorism. “Of course we would have liked to hear any words of condemnation.” Although Russia itself launched the war of aggression against Ukraine and brought death and destruction to the country, Moscow repeatedly tries to portray itself as a victim in the conflict.
The West supports Russia’s attacked Ukraine and demands that Moscow end its war of aggression. The leadership in Kiev denies responsibility for the violence in Belgorod and the drone attacks against Moscow. Rather, it is emphasized that these are consequences of the invasion of the “terror state Russia” in Ukraine. Ukraine demands the withdrawal of Russian troops.