"It is well known that the document was de facto initialed. Everyone is also well aware of what exactly caused the Ukrainians to refuse to continue and finalize the work on the document, according to representatives from the Ukrainian side who participated in the talks. It was due to direct pressure from London," Peskov told a briefing, when asked whether it is true that Moscow put forward new demands to Kiev following the Istanbul summit in 2022, which Ukraine refused.
There are no prerequisites for negotiations with Kiev at the moment, including due to Ukraine’s position against any talks, therefore, the Russian special military operation continues, Peskov added.
Russia Supports Contacts Between Baku and Yerevan
Russia supports the continuation of contacts between Baku and Yerevan, which are necessary for the full thaw between the two countries and the settlement of the disputed issues, Peskov noted.
"We would not like to comment on this [protests]. You know that we are in favor of continuing contacts between Baku and Yerevan. We believe that they are necessary for general detente and for the final settlement of all the disputed issues that are on the agenda in order to reach the signing of a peace treaty as soon as possible," he said.
Russia to Keep Further Developing Cooperation With China
Russia will further develop cooperation with China, which is capable of defending and protecting its own national interests despite Western pressure, the spokesman highlighted.
"China is an absolutely sovereign state, a powerful state capable of defending and protecting its own interests. At the same time, it is our close partner. We will further develop our cooperation," he told reporters, when asked to comment on Washington's pressure on Beijing over the latter's support for Moscow.
Speculation About Possible EU Sanctions Against Russian LNG Misplaced
Speculation about possible EU sanctions against Russia's liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects is hardly appropriate and Russia should wait to see what kind of illegal restrictions European politicians will try to impose next.
"Some kind of, you know, such eventual reasoning is hardly appropriate here. We have to wait and see what kind of wording will be worked out in the end and what kind of further restrictions, which we can in no way consider legitimate, they will try to introduce. We have to be patient here," Peskov said.
Moscow will continue to seek ways to overcome illegal restrictions and unfair competition, as well as to counter attempts to push the country from energy markets, Peskov noted.
"Transition to more expensive markets, first of all, of course, it is beneficial for the US, for a number of other countries. For the end consumers, primarily industrial sectors in Europe, it will mean more expensive gas," he added.