Yesterday, prior to today’s meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, the Kremlin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov provided reporters a preview of what could be several discussions leading to Putin meeting with Trump in November.
On the possibility of the U.S. and Russia addressing the reduction of the nuclear stockpiles, Peskov emphasized: “We have repeatedly reiterated and reaffirmed our understanding of the need for an urgent resumption of dialogue on strategic stability and nuclear disarmament.” As reported by TASS, Peskov underlined that the 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.”
Peskov added that “we believe that it is precisely up to us to speak with the Americans” on issues of nuclear disarmament, but as “regards this conversation, I’d like to remind you [about] 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.”
Asked about the potential effect of U.S. measures concerning sanctioned oil tankers, Peskov redirected: “You should address your question to the American side—to the U.S. Department of Energy.” He added that “Russia has been, is, and will continue to be a reliable supplier of energy resources to global energy markets.”
On de-conflicting the Arctic, Peskov contended: “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.” However, here Europe refuses to engage. He cited EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas as having “repeatedly stated that she is against any dialogue…. European diplomats should sort out their position and perhaps explain to each other how they are going to establish some forms of cooperation without engaging in dialogue. From our standpoint, it’s impossible.”
Today, as reported by TASS, Peskov offered: “We see that President Trump is quite sincere and consistent in his wish to facilitate a peaceful resolution and to set everything on the path toward a peace settlement…. Witkoff brought some ideas— especially in light of the meetings he held in Oslo with Zelensky and representatives of European countries. Naturally, all these proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by the president. We will see what happens next…. A lot, of course, depends on the Ukrainians, including whether they are ready for a peace [settlement]. Trump made it very clear that if they had agreed to a peace settlement a year or two years ago, they could have reached a deal on conditions that would have been more advantageous for them. Their position has deteriorated. And the situation on the ground has also worsened, with conditions getting worse by the day.” He added: “It is theoretically possible to make an important step forward” toward a settlement. “Putin is open to seeking ways of achieving a peace settlement.”
