Russia Remains Open to Comprehensive Peace Talks with Ukraine: Peskov

Moscow, The Gulf Observer: Ukraine must pay the price for its strikes in the Black Sea and is already doing so, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday, while stressing that Russia seeks lasting peace with Ukraine rather than a temporary ceasefire.

Peskov said Russia remains open to negotiations, but claimed that the Ukrainian authorities had shown no inclination to reach comprehensive agreements. He emphasized that partial or separate arrangements would not bring the two sides closer to a peaceful settlement.

“Russia is always open to negotiations,” Peskov said, adding that Moscow believes any agreements should be comprehensive.

According to the Kremlin spokesman, Russia does not consider a ceasefire sufficient and instead seeks a lasting peace settlement with Ukraine.

Black Sea Situation

Addressing the situation in the Black Sea, Peskov said Russia was responding to strikes carried out by Ukraine and would continue taking measures in response.

“Ukraine must pay the price for this. It is already paying and will continue to pay,” he said.

Peskov said Russia was continuing its military operation and regarded the prevention of maritime supplies of military equipment, ammunition and fuel to Ukrainian forces as an important objective.

He said Russia would continue efforts to prevent such supplies from reaching Ukraine by sea.

Commenting on reports of a Turkish and United Nations initiative aimed at facilitating Russia-Ukraine discussions on a possible ceasefire in the Black Sea, Peskov said Moscow was aware of the initiative but that no specific details were currently available.

“There are no specific details. We are aware of this initiative,” he said.