The Kremlin said today that allegations that Russian forces had committed war crimes by executing civilians in the Ukrainian city of Bucha were a “monstrous falsification” aimed at discrediting the Russian military.

“It’s just a well-directed – but tragic – show,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. “It is a forgery aimed at discrediting the Russian army – and it will not work.”

“We call on the international community again to separate from such emotional perceptions and think logically,” Peshkov said. “Compare the facts and understand what kind of monstrous forgery we are dealing with.”

Asked about US President Joe Biden’s statement that President Vladimir Putin should be tried for war crimes, Peskov said such comments were unacceptable and did not suit an American leader.

Speaking to reporters via video conference, Peskov also said the United States was likely to impose further sanctions on Russia. “Americans are not expected to give up their favourite practice,” he said.

Peskov also said that Russia does not rule out the possibility of a meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but that this can only happen when there is agreement on a text.

The Kremlin also denounced the European “lack of insight” following the expulsion of more than 120 Russian diplomats from Europe over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“We are sorry for that. Reducing diplomatic communication capabilities in these difficult circumstances” indicates “a lack of insight that will further complicate” relations between Russia and the EU, Peskov said.