MOSCOW, September 22. /TASS/. The US decision to deny Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov a visa to participate in the UN General Assembly, Vladimir Zelensky’s contradictory statements and the situation in the Black Sea topped the agenda of Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov’s briefing on Tuesday.
TASS has compiled key statements by the Kremlin spokesman.
On US refusal to grant visa to senior Russian diplomat
- The US refusal to grant a visa to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov to participate in the UN General Assembly will be discussed during contacts between Moscow and Washington: "This will undoubtedly be on the agenda for our contacts with the Americans."
- This situation serves as another example of unfriendly actions toward Russia: "This is yet another unfriendly move toward our country."
- The US violates its obligations as the host country of the UN: "These actions contradict the obligations of the US as the host country of the UN. The country hosting the UN should not allow such things to happen."
On Zelensky’s statements
- Vladimir Zelensky’s statements are becoming increasingly contradictory with each day: "His statements on whether to stop or continue the war become increasingly contradictory with each coming day."
- Zelensky’s latest statements about a ceasefire came amid the deteriorating situation on the battlefield and economically for Ukraine: "As for such statements by Zelensky, the situation in Ukraine is clearly deteriorating day by day, both economically and on the front lines. And this trend will persist."
On Ukrainian settlement
- Russian President Vladimir Putin has always said that, regarding the Ukraine conflict, Moscow advocates for a lasting peace rather than a ceasefire, which would essentially achieve nothing: "President Putin and the Russian side have always said that we stand for a lasting peace – a peace that endures – rather than a ceasefire, which would essentially achieve nothing."
- Kiev is fully aware of the decisions it should make to get on the path to a long-lasting peace: "Kiev is perfectly aware what responsibility it should take and what decisions should be made so we can get on the path that will lead us to a long-lasting peace rather than a truce."
On EU sanctions
- Russia considers Western sanctions illegal and believes that they must be lifted for all Russian citizens: "We consider these sanctions illegal. We believe that these sanctions must be lifted on Usmanov, Fridman, and all Russian businessmen – just as they should be on all Russian citizens."
On situation in Black Sea
- Turkey raised the issue of Russia and Ukraine suspending attacks on vessels in the Black Sea: "The issue was indeed raised by our Turkish partners during the recent contacts between President [Vladimir] Putin and President [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan in Bishkek and was further present in the relevant diplomatic correspondence."
- "The situation with grain shipments via the Black Sea is severely complicated, driven by the activities of the Ukrainian side."
- Russia is ensuring grain supplies to foreign markets via alternative routes amid the current situation in the Black Sea: "As for Russian grain, alternative transport routes and destinations are being secured under the president’s instructions."
On UN Security Council
- Russia believes that the UN Security Council should be reformed and enlarged: "We believe that the UN Security Council should definitely be reformed. Permanent membership has to be expanded, as many states and interstate formations have emerged that should certainly have their say in the Security Council."
- Russia is committed to both the status of permanent members of the UN Security Council and their veto power: "The institution of permanent members of the UN Security Council and the veto power are an important element for the entire United Nations. And we remain committed to this very important element."
On possible Greenland deal
- The potential signing of documents on Greenland by the island’s authorities, the US and Denmark is a matter for those countries to decide: "As for the possible signing of any documents regarding Greenland – that is a matter for the parties involved."
On AfD’s alleged attempts to establish contacts with Russia
- The Kremlin does not have any information about the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party allegedly attempting to establish contacts with Russia: "No, I do not have such information."
- "However, at least as Germany’s political force with steadily rising popularity that says improving relations with our country is reasonable, this cannot but appeal to us. And, of course, such statements are much more advantageous for us than those made by [German Chancellor Friedrich] Merz, who, in fact, offers only confrontational rhetoric toward Russia."
On Arctic
- Moscow and Washington are not discussing cooperation in the Arctic during their working contacts: "The issue of cooperation in the Arctic is not on the agenda right now."
- Western countries decline to cooperate with Moscow in the Arctic, but it does not diminish Russia’s role in the region: "The Americans and other Arctic states refuse to engage with Russia. This in no way diminishes our country’s role in Arctic affairs."
