Edward Marchesi Tensions between Moscow and Washington have escalated again following recent statements from the US Department of Justice , which accused Russian intelligence agencies of plotting targeted assassinations on US soil and in European countries supporting Ukraine. These allegations, coupled with the announcement of the indictments of five individuals currently at large, prompted an immediate response from the Kremlin.
Palace spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Russia does not intend to comment on reports not supported by solid evidence, while also calling for a rigorous verification of the accusations made against his government.
The statement released by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted in an official statement, in which he said: “Until we have heard and seen even minimally convincing evidence and arguments based on something concrete, we do not consider it necessary to comment on these reports . ”
With these words, Peskov drew a clear line: before giving space to such insinuations, concrete evidence and a coherent evidentiary framework are needed. The speech, devoid of any admissions, underscores the Kremlin's desire not to fuel further speculation without the presence of verifiable evidence.
Statement by Dmitry Peskov in the Kremlin
In his response, Peskov emphasized that the Kremlin remains vigilant regarding any possible paramilitary action, but also condemned the dissemination of information not corroborated by reliable sources. The spokesman stated that, without evidence or credible testimony, Russia cannot and will not take sides in a debate that risks fueling further diplomatic tensions. Furthermore, he called on the US authorities to provide tangible evidence so that each accusation can be assessed transparently and in accordance with international law.
The conditions required for an official comment
Peskov's key phrase—"we have not heard or seen even the slightest bit of convincing evidence"—underscores the importance of independent verification of the allegations. In practice, the Kremlin demands that US authorities present documents, wiretaps, or testimonies that demonstrate beyond any doubt the involvement of Russian agents in planned assassination operations . Only after such proof has been provided will Russia reserve the right to respond in more detail, while avoiding fueling a narrative based on supposition.
Charges from the United States Department of Justice
The U.S. Department of Justice , in its latest statement, stated that it has identified a network of Russian intelligence agents engaged in planning targeted attacks against targets in the United States and several European nations that supported Kiev. According to the statement, authorities have gathered evidence linking these individuals to orders from high-level Moscow officials, with the intent of targeting political figures, military personnel, and anti-war activists. The same statement specified that the investigation has led to the issuance of arrest warrants for five individuals currently at large, whose identities remain confidential for security reasons. The investigators' stated goal is to disrupt any targeted assassination program before it can lead to actual actions.
Arrest warrant for five fugitives
The five individuals identified in the DOJ statement have been charged with actively participating in the planning, financing, and logistics of clandestine operations aimed at eliminating strategic targets . The charges include violations of federal laws on conspiracy to commit terrorism and the handling of classified information . U.S. authorities emphasized that, despite the secrecy requirements of the investigation, the evidence gathered would be sufficient to support a criminal prosecution of the fugitives. A specific date for any arrests has not yet been provided, but the Department has indicated that it will continue to collaborate with European intelligence agencies to monitor the situation.
Meanwhile, the international community is closely monitoring developments in this dispute, aware that the lack of incontrovertible evidence could affect diplomatic relations between the powers involved. While the United States continues its investigation, Moscow remains firm in its position of requiring transparent verification before providing further comment, thus maintaining a delicate balance between national defense and communications strategy.