Kremlin Spokesman Peskov Comments on Tuapse Oil Facility Fire, Victory Day Parade, UAE OPEC Exit

MOSCOW, April 29. /TASS/. At his Wednesday briefing, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed the response to Ukrainian drone strikes on an oil facility in the Black Sea port of Tuapse, plans for the upcoming Victory Day parade without military equipment, and the United Arab Emirates' decision to withdraw from OPEC and OPEC+. TASS has gathered the key statements made by the Russian presidential press secretary.

President's schedule

President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso will hold talks with both countries' delegations and a one-on-one meeting. The Russian leader may also hold a telephone conversation in the afternoon.

Tuapse fire

Authorities continue efforts to mitigate the consequences of Ukrainian drone strikes on the Tuapse oil facility: "It's too early to draw conclusions, as large-scale, intensive operations are underway, involving hundreds of personnel bravely addressing the aftermath of these terrorist attacks."

The massive fire resulted from a Ukrainian drone attack: "At the president's order, Emergencies Minister Alexander Kurenkov immediately went to the site of the incident, which was caused by the Kiev regime's strikes." Putin received several reports on the situation from Emergencies Minister Kurenkov on Tuesday.

Authorities are taking all necessary measures to manage the Tuapse fire's aftermath: "Measures are being taken. Kurenkov is fully in control on the ground." The Kremlin spokesman emphasized that the oil spill was caused by Ukrainian drone strikes: "I would like to point out that all of this stems from drone strikes carried out by the Kiev regime's armed forces. I would also note that the oil was intended for export under Russia's contractual obligations."

The international community is now facing the consequences of oil shortages triggered by Kiev's criminal actions, including its attack on the Tuapse facility.

On UAE's withdrawal from OPEC, OPEC+

The UAE made a sovereign decision to leave OPEC, which Russia respects: "It's a sovereign decision by the UAE, and we respect it." Russia expects to maintain constructive and effective contacts with the UAE: "As we have constructive and friendly relations with Abu Dhabi, we expect to maintain productive, meaningful, and effective contact with the UAE, including on energy dialogue."

Russia is not considering leaving OPEC+: "No." Russia welcomes the UAE's statements to maintain a responsible stance on energy markets: "We welcome Abu Dhabi's commitment to maintain a responsible position on energy markets, along with bilateral coordination." Russia expects the OPEC+ group to remain intact after the UAE's withdrawal: "We certainly hope it will be so."

Global energy markets are facing turbulence, underlining the importance of the OPEC+ platform: "It is a platform that significantly reduces fluctuations and stabilizes energy markets."

Victory Day parade

Moscow will hold this year's Victory Day parade without military equipment, largely due to Kiev's terrorist activities: "It's because of the current situation." Given the threat, security measures will be ensured: "The parade will take place. Last year marked the anniversary of the victory, which is why a large-scale parade was held."

On Butyagin's release

The release of Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin was a complex operation, successfully carried out by Russian intelligence agencies. Putin currently has no plans to meet with Butyagin: "There are no plans to host Butyagin in the Kremlin at this point."