Russia says position on Ukraine energy truce remains unchanged

Russia’s position on a possible energy truce with Ukraine has not changed, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday, adding that Moscow seeks peace rather than a truce, Anadolu Agency reported.

Speaking at a press briefing in St. Petersburg, Peskov said the Ukraine conflict could not be fully resolved without representatives from Kyiv.

“Nothing has changed. We need peace, not a truce,” he said when asked whether Moscow’s position on a possible energy truce had shifted.

“Of course, it is impossible to fully resolve the Ukraine issue without the participation of someone from Kyiv. Therefore, someone in Kyiv must make a responsible decision. This is essential,” Peskov said.

Asked about Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s remarks reiterating the common European position on Ukraine, Peskov said they were unlikely to contribute constructively to a settlement unless Stubb offered more than a repetition of that position.

“We will see how constructive a contribution Mr. Stubb can make. If he can make a constructive contribution, that can be viewed positively. If not, if he can only repeat the common European position, then it is unlikely to be a constructive contribution,” he said.

On a report by the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council examining the possible consequences of suspending Armenia’s membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Peskov said the Kremlin had not yet reviewed the document.

The Russian government press service earlier published a joint report by the governments of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan titled “On the Possible Consequences of Suspending the Application of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union of May 29, 2014, with Respect to the Republic of Armenia.” It examines the potential impact of suspending Armenia’s EAEU membership on the country’s economy.