Kremlin says Merz's comments on long-range weapons hinder Ukraine peace process

MOSCOW - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's recent comments on the decision to remove range restrictions on weapons for Ukraine are obstructing ongoing peace efforts, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday.

Merz on Monday said that Germany and its allies had lifted restrictions on the range of weapons supplied to Ukraine. On Tuesday, he noted that the decision was actually made "months ago".

"This is nothing more than a further provocation of war. This is nothing more than further attempts to force Ukrainians to continue fighting," Peskov said.

Calling Germany's position "irresponsible", Peskov said Moscow hopes that it doesn't become a serious obstacle to any further efforts toward a peaceful settlement.

The second round of talks between Russia and Ukraine will be held in Istanbul, Turkiye on June 2, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.