MOSCOW - No sanctions can force Russia to change its stance on Ukraine, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the media on Monday.
The remarks came as the European Union and Washington discussed additional sanctions against Russia. US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the White House is ready to launch the second phase of sanctions against Russia amid stalled peace talks in its conflict with Ukraine.
Peskov noted that previous Western sanctions had proven "useless" in pressuring Russia.
"The unprecedented number of sanctions imposed on our country over the past ... nearly four years has no effect," said the spokesman, adding that Ukraine and Europe were actively pushing the United States to impose new restrictions.
The Kremlin emphasized that Russia intended to continue aligning with the US peace efforts. "We welcome these efforts and hope they will continue to be pursued in a constructive direction," Peskov said.
He added that Moscow would keep a close eye on Washington's statements regarding plans to impose new sanctions on Russia.
Peskov also noted that Russia would continue its special military operation until a diplomatic outcome guarantees the country's security.
Ukrainian drone strike condemned
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Monday that Moscow condemned a Ukrainian drone strike against civilians in the Donetsk region.
"On Sunday evening, Ukrainian armed forces struck a children's playground in the newly opened Gulliver Park in Donetsk using a UAV, at a time when many civilians gathered there," Zakharova said in a statement.
Six civilians were injured, including one child born in 2011, and multiple buildings were damaged after a Ukrainian drone strike hit a children's playground, according to the head of the Donetsk region, Denis Pushilin.
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Zakharova condemned the strike as a deliberate "terrorist act" against civilians, citing the lack of military facilities near the area that was hit, according to the statement.
She said that Russia maintains the right to deliver a proportionate response but remains committed to seeking a peaceful settlement through dialogue.
