Russia’s Participation in New Ukraine Peace Summit Hinges on Clear Agenda Understanding: Kremlin Spokesman.
In order for Russia to participate in a new Ukraine peace summit, Moscow must have a clear understanding of the talks’ agenda, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The first international summit on the Ukraine crisis took place last month in Burgenstock, Switzerland, with over 90 countries participating; however, Russia was not invited while some others, such as China, refused to attend due to Moscow needing to be part of the process.
During a press briefing, Peskov emphasized that Russia remains open to dialogue but must first understand what topics will be discussed during this second peace summit. He reiterated the Kremlin’s stance on NATO expansion into Ukraine, stating it is an unacceptable threat to Russian existence and security.
The spokesman also highlighted that Russia will not discuss any specific details unrelated to the overall question of national security. President Vladimir Putin has previously expressed willingness to engage in discussions about security aspects related to the continent, including security guarantees for other nations. However, Moscow has repeatedly dismissed Zelensky’s ‘peace formula’, which includes demands such as a full Russian withdrawal from claimed territories, reparation payments, and a war crime tribunal for Russia’s leadership.
Instead, Putin has set out his own terms for initiating a ceasefire and launching peace negotiations with Kiev, including a full withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from all Russian territories and a legal commitment from Ukraine never to join NATO.