Kremlin hits back at Germany for bracing for war: Moscow questions defense plan and denies peace talks

Peskov's statement implies that Germany is legitimately bracing for war," read the unsettling report from Moscow aimed at the German federal government.

"It's no secret that Germany is heading towards significant confrontation with Russia," Peskov announced on Friday, responding to the news of Germany's exhaustive defense plan. He characterized these reports as an attempt to deter Russia and accused the German government of hostility.

Peskov's response came after a statement by the commander of the Territorial Command, Lieutenant General André Bodemann, who presented a plan to the German Press Agency (dpa). The plan aims to improve coordination among security services, address crisis situations, and handle industrial security. Peskov emphasized that Moscow will thoroughly scrutinize these intentions because of what he named a "hostile attitude from Berlin."

"Bild" also brought to light the recent warning from the Federal Minister of Defense, Boris Pistorius (SPD), stating that after several decades of peace, Germany must once again become ready for war.

"Bild" reminded its readers that Russia has been aggressively entering Ukraine over the past two years and has frequently portrayed itself as a victim of Western hostility. Russia justified its incursion, in part, by stating it needed to stop Ukraine from joining NATO, suggesting this would pose a "threat to Russia's security."

Putin's spokesperson also dismissed reports that Russia had unofficially suggested negotiations to the West to end the war. It seems Moscow would agree to Ukraine joining NATO if it could keep the Ukrainian territories it had seized.

Simultaneously, Peskov insisted that the Kremlin does not plan to withdraw its requirements concerning Ukraine's neutral status, as reported by "Bild".