'Doesn't matter who defence minister is': Moscow dismisses Zelensky's moves, reshuffle backfires?

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia is closely monitoring political developments in Kyiv following changes in Ukraine’s leadership but insisted that the identity of Ukraine’s defence minister is not the key issue for Moscow. He reiterated that Russia remains open to peace negotiations while claiming Kyiv knows the decisions needed to move toward a settlement. Peskov also thanked Türkiye for its mediation efforts, discussed the impact of Gulf tensions on the global economy, commented on Russia’s economic outlook, and said there have been no requests for a phone call between President Vladimir Putin and Iranian leaders.