Peskov on Ukraine strike, Armenia relations, and EAEU

MOSCOW, May 25. /TASS/. The Russian military’s Oreshnik strike on Ukrainian territory and statements by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan were among the main topics of Monday’s briefing by Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

TASS has compiled the key statements made by the presidential press secretary.

President’s schedule

- The Russian leader will pay a state visit to Kazakhstan this week, where he will participate in events related to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Attack on Starobelsk

- The Kremlin took note of the lack of official statements from the West condemning the Ukrainian military’s strike on the college in Starobelsk: "As for the coverage of this tragedy, we have not heard any official statements condemning Kiev. We have not seen any actions that could be interpreted as condemnation of this barbaric terrorist attack on young people. That is all I can say in this regard."

- The Kremlin also noted that several Western media outlets, under various pretexts, declined to travel to Starobelsk to see the aftermath of the strike: "We have taken note that a number of Western media outlets decided not to go there under various pretexts."

- According to Peskov, the refusal of a number of Western media outlets to travel to Starobelsk undermines their claims of objectivity: "This casts a bad light on these media outlets; it doesn’t add credibility to the information they’re presenting. And, of course, it means they can’t say they’re objective media in their coverage of what’s happening around Ukraine."

Oreshnik strike

- The Russian Defense Ministry has already provided detailed information regarding the Oreshnik strike on Ukrainian territory: "The Russian Defense Ministry has already addressed this in a relevant statement. I hope you have taken note of these remarks."

Pashinyan’s remarks, relations with Armenia

- The Kremlin took note of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s words that Yerevan would not engage in anti-Russian rhetoric: "Recently, we have heard statements from both Pashinyan and the foreign minister that Armenia will not engage in anti-Russian rhetoric."

- Russia remains a reliable supplier of energy resources, particularly for its partners: "We have heard statements from the Armenian leadership that the price of Russian gas and Russian energy resources is very attractive. This is indeed the case - Russia remains a reliable and responsible supplier of energy resources to all countries, and especially to its closest allies and partners."

- "Such a system is impossible for participants in other integration processes" - meaning "the European Union, of course": "Prices there fall into a completely different, market-based system. Our friends in Yerevan are well aware of this."

- The Kremlin described "the choice of the path for further economic integration" as an open question, while noting that during his visit to Moscow, Pashinyan "said that Armenia remains a full member of the EAEU, but at the same time is developing its relations in other areas of its foreign policy, particularly with Europe."

- "And as Pashinyan explained at the time, at some point a final decision will have to be made - and this will be done through a referendum. So it will be the Armenian people who have the final say."

- Russia and Armenia, as EAEU members, remain friends and continue their dialogue: "We continue the dialogue. We remain in contact with Armenia, and we will continue to do so."

- "We know that some political forces in Armenia are really into the Russian development model and want to get even more involved in integration with Russia. We totally appreciate this approach, and we’re not hiding it."

- Moscow expects Yerevan to participate in the upcoming EAEU events in Astana in one form or another: "If I am not mistaken, Prime Minister [of Armenia Nikol] Pashinyan will not participate due to election campaign considerations. But at the same time, we expect that, one way or another, the Armenian side will still participate in this very important meeting, continuing its membership in the EAEU."

Detention of Metropolitan Hilarion in Czech Republic

- The Kremlin has no information regarding the alleged detention of Metropolitan Hilarion in Karlovy Vary: "We know nothing about this."

SPIEF

- Preparations for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) are ongoing, and Putin has already sent greetings to its guests and organizers: "Preparations for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum continue. The president’s greeting has already been published, and the text is available."