Kremlin Spokesman Comments on Trump's Hermitage Visit

In Russia on July 7, 2026, Peskov gave a series of comments on Ukraine and Europe. He answered a question about Trump's visit to the Hermitage, said Zelensky could end the conflict by withdrawing troops from Donbass, and named conditions under which the 'special military operation' could end 'the next day'. He said Russia was close to an agreement with Ukraine in 2022, that Ukraine is a tool of war against Russia for Europe, and that Europe's attempt to defeat Russia strategically is its greatest mistake. He also urged the West not to dictate rules to the rest of the world.

Separately, NDTV wrote that Trump said a resolution of the Ukraine war is 'closer' after talks with Putin and Zelensky, and Kyiv Post cited a US analyst saying Trump's 90-minute call with Putin was part of a mediation effort after talks with Zelensky.