MOSCOW, October 22. /TASS/. The outcome of the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, trilateral talks on Ukraine and cooperation with China were the main topics of Thursday’s briefing by Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
TASS has summarized the key statements made by the Kremlin spokesman.
On the president’s schedule
Russia has not yet decided whether President Vladimir Putin will travel to Miami for the Group of Twenty (G20) summit, but it will consider all circumstances when deciding whether to accept or decline the invitation: "There is an invitation to this summit, and it will be considered in light of all the circumstances."
Putin did not send any documents containing proposals for a settlement in Ukraine through US special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Mediation in a process as complex as the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine is difficult and is best conducted behind closed doors: "Of course not. Mediation in such a complex negotiation process is conducted behind closed doors."
"Megaphone diplomacy" and public discussion of proposals to settle the conflict in Ukraine can only harm the negotiation process: "Any kind of ‘megaphone diplomacy’ here can only be harmful. Public discussion of counterproposals can also only be harmful."
Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump are not currently planning a telephone conversation following the visit by US presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff. However, such a conversation could be arranged quickly: "At the moment, there are no plans for such a conversation. However, as you know, it can be arranged fairly quickly if necessary or if one of the parties desires it."
"The presidents constantly assure each other of their readiness to speak at a moment’s notice and at any time."
On the positions of third countries regarding Ukraine
The US is making substantial efforts to settle the situation around Ukraine, while European efforts are aimed at provoking further hostilities: "The US administration is doing a great deal to promote a peaceful settlement. European countries are doing nothing to foster a peaceful settlement and doing a lot to provoke further hostilities."
Russia has yet to hear any constructive statements from Europe indicating a willingness to de-escalate tensions: "We have not heard a single statement that would indicate such an intention."
At the same time, Russia sees a positive development in the willingness of some European capitals to seek to understand what is happening: "We do indeed see increased activity in some European capitals in terms of efforts to understand what is happening -- this is a positive development, rather. But, of course, it still seems a long way off from such objective statements [on de-escalation]."
On trilateral talks on Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet decided on the composition of Russia’s negotiating team for trilateral talks on Ukraine: "As for the composition of the negotiating team, that will be the president’s decision. And it has not been made yet. Let us not forget that this was only announced yesterday."
There are currently no definite plans regarding Putin’s participation in a meeting with members of the Russian negotiating team during the resumed trilateral talks on a settlement of the conflict in Ukraine: "No, there’s still time before this trilateral meeting. There are no specific plans regarding the president on this matter as of yet."
On cooperation with China
Putin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang did not discuss preparations for the Power of Baikal gas pipeline deal during their meeting in St. Petersburg: "No, it was not discussed. The topic of cooperation in the energy sphere was highlighted in general."
Russia-China energy cooperation still has significant untapped potential: "This cooperation [in the energy sector] is truly extensive. It has horizons that have yet to be explored. Both sides will continue working to make fuller use of the potential that exists."
On foreign companies’ assets
Russia is guided exclusively by its own interests when making decisions concerning the assets of foreign companies: "In such conditions Russia, when making relevant decisions, is governed only by its own interests."