Near ‘Zero’ Effectiveness: Kremlin Rubbishes Swiss-Hosted ‘Summit’ on Ukraine

"Well, if we're talking about the overall effectiveness of this meeting, then, it is definitely close to zero. Here you can provide a subjective [opinion], an objective [opinion], but it is unrealistic that you can talk about any effectiveness there," Peskov told reporters.

The Kremlin mentioned that many countries at the Switzerland-hosted summit acknowledged the necessity of including Russia in discussions about Ukraine. This sentiment was widely shared among participants at the event.

"We will continue to work with all countries that are willing to do so. This is the position of our president, he continues to remain open to dialogue, to serious discussions, substantive discussions and productive discussions," Peskov added.

During the Swiss summit, Hungary, Serbia, and Turkey each expressed their positions regarding the situation with Ukraine. Peskov stated that these stances would not harm relations with Russia

"We will certainly consider the positions put forth by these countries, as they are important to us," the spokesman explained.

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Peskov stressed that Russia's stance on the Ukrainian issue is clear, consistent, and well-known in Kiev.

"The approach of the Russian side is quite transparent and consistent, it is well known, including by Mr. [Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro] Kuleba. The approach was just outlined at [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin's meeting with senior officials of the [Russian] Foreign Ministry on Friday," Peskov told reporters when asked whether Moscow would take part in the next conference on Ukraine that might occur this fall.

The peace initiative on Ukraine put forward by Putin remains on the agenda, the Kremlin spokesman added.

Peskov also took NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to task for his remark on the possibility of putting nuclear weapons on high alert, stressing that this is not in line with the context of the Swiss summit's declaration.

"What Stoltenberg said clearly does not fit into the context of the same declaration that was adopted the day before and which not everyone signed. Which also says, if I am not mistaken, about the inadmissibility of such rhetoric," Peskov told reporters, adding that this statement is another escalation of tensions.

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No Announcements on Russia-US Contacts on Possible Exchange of Gershkovich

There can be no announcements about contacts between Russia and the US on the possibility of exchanging Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, the Kremlin press secretary said.

"I would like to remind you, again, of the president’s conversation with the heads of news agencies in St. Petersburg quite recently, he confirmed that such contacts exist, but they are in progress and must continue to be conducted in complete information silence, so no announcements, no statements, no information on this invoice can be presented," Peskov told reporters.

The official also refused to comment on the court’s decision to hold Gershkovich's trial behind closed doors.

A Russian regional court said earlier in the day that the first hearing on the espionage case against Gershkovich is scheduled for June 26.

Russia to Weigh Georgian Party's Bid to Lift Visa Requirements

Russia's pertinent departments will be evaluating a recent appeal from the new Georgian party Solidarity for Peace to cancel the visa regime between Russia and Georgia, the Kremlin spokesman said.

"No, frankly speaking, I haven't seen it [the appeal], but if there was one, then we will look at it. And, of course, our relevant departments will analyze this appeal," Peskov told reporters when asked whether there would be any reaction to the Georgian party's bid to abolish the visa regime between the two countries.

The Solidarity for Peace party was created in December 2023 and does not have any seats in the Georgian parliament.