MOSCOW, October 20. /TASS/. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed potential talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the two US negotiators, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the need for dialogue on nuclear disarmament and strategic stability, as well as prospects for a Ukraine settlement at a news briefing on Tuesday.
TASS has compiled key statements from the Russian presidential spokesman.
On potential meeting between Putin, Witkoff, Kushner
- The Kremlin expects a meeting between the Russian leader and US negotiators Witkoff and Kushner will be arranged soon: "We hope that a meeting could be arranged soon," Peskov said.
- The Kremlin spokesman also expressed hope that the two US negotiators will soon brief Putin on their consultations with Ukrainian and European officials: "We hope <…> that the US negotiators, namely Mr. Witkoff, will be able to brief President Putin on their communication with both the Ukrainians and the Europeans, and also continue the exchange of signals between Washington and Moscow on a number of very important issues."
- Peskov called Putin’s meetings with the US negotiators very important, always timely and meaningful: "Every time, we view such meetings as very important, and they are always timely and very meaningful."
- The Kremlin will inform reporters in due course when and where Putin will meet with Witkoff and Kushner, Peskov assured reporters: "We will let you know when and where the meeting will take place."
- The mediation efforts of US negotiators are greatly valued, the Kremlin spokesman told the press: "We appreciate the mediation efforts of the American negotiators."
On Ukraine settlement
- Russia considers it important for peace talks to involve a legitimate representative of Ukrainian authorities who would be ready to make decisions to end the war, Peskov said: "It is important for us to make sure there is a legitimate representative of the authorities who would be ready to take responsibility and make the decisions required to end the war."
On nuclear disarmament and strategic stability
- Russia has repeatedly stressed the need to resume dialogue on strategic stability and nuclear disarmament, the presidential spokesman emphasized: "We are convinced of this. We have repeatedly spoken about it at various levels. We have repeatedly reiterated and reaffirmed our understanding of the need for an urgent resumption of dialogue on strategic stability and nuclear disarmament."
- For the first time in a long while, the world has been left without a legal framework for strategic stability and nuclear disarmament -- a situation that is extremely dangerous, Peskov continued: "This [issue of strategic stability and nuclear disarmament] is an extremely important topic. At present, we effectively lack a legal framework in this area. For the first time in a long time, the world finds itself without such a legal framework. This is extremely dangerous."
- Negotiations on strategic stability and nuclear disarmament must begin well in advance, as they are complex and will take considerable time, the Russian presidential spokesman argued: "Negotiations need to start well in advance because, in any case, they are complex and will be lengthy. This can already be predicted at this stage."
- Meanwhile, Russia believes it should be Moscow that discusses issues of strategic stability and nuclear disarmament with Washington, Peskov said: "Yes, we believe that it is precisely up to us to speak with the Americans [on issues of nuclear disarmament]."
- Moscow and Washington will not be able to discuss strategic stability and nuclear disarmament without taking the nuclear arsenals in European countries into account, he maintained: "As regards this conversation, I’d like to remind you Putin’s remark, and of course, we [Russia and the United States] will not be able to distance ourselves from the nuclear capabilities of European countries, primarily Great Britain and France, in holding this conversation."
On situation in Alyoshki
- According to Peskov, efforts are underway to address the humanitarian crisis in the town of Alyoshki in the Kherson Region: "As you know, the issue was raised in a conversation with the Pope. And it was also mentioned during [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s recent call with [US President Donald] Trump."
- "It was agreed with President Trump that Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova would maintain contact with her counterpart on the matter. Efforts are underway," he reiterated.
On US plans
- The question regarding the impact of measures announced by the US concerning sanctioned oil tankers should be directed to the US Department of Energy, Peskov opined: "You should address your question to the American side -- to the US Department of Energy."
- Russia remains a reliable supplier of energy resources to global energy markets, he said: "Russia has been, is, and will continue to be a reliable supplier of energy resources to global energy markets."
On Arctic
- Russia is convinced that the Arctic should be a region of mutually beneficial cooperation between countries, not a zone of confrontation, Peskov argued: "We are adamant that the Arctic should not be a zone of confrontation. On the contrary, the Arctic should be a territory of mutually beneficial cooperation. To ensure this, dialogue is needed. And Russia is open to this dialogue."
- While Russia is open to dialogue with other countries on cooperation in the Arctic, Europe continues to shut itself off from such engagement, the Kremlin spokesman lamented: "But, [EU foreign policy chief Kaja] Kallas herself has repeatedly stated that she is against any dialogue.".