MOSCOW 

The Kremlin announced on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally chose the representatives for the upcoming Russia-US negotiations in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the appointed delegation heads—former deputy foreign minister and current senior lawmaker Grigory Karasin, along with senior intelligence officer Sergey Beseda—as highly skilled diplomats.

"These individuals have extensive experience in diplomatic negotiations. This is the choice of the president of the Russian Federation, and they will best represent Russia in these talks," Peskov stated.

When asked about potential US-Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Peskov reaffirmed Russia’s position that the matter should be resolved solely through diplomatic means.

"We are convinced that Iran’s nuclear program should be addressed exclusively through peaceful political and diplomatic channels. There is no reason to believe that Iran is developing nuclear weapons, and everything necessary for a resolution is already in place; only political will is needed," he stressed.

On March 7, US President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social account that he had sent a message to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei proposing negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program. Khamenei dismissed Trump’s remarks as "a deception of world public opinion."

Peskov also expressed concerns about Europe’s increasing militarization, calling it "a very, very dangerous trend."

"This certainly does not bring the world any closer to detente or mutual trust, nor does it enhance Europe’s security," he stated.

Addressing media reports suggesting that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had instructed government agencies to "restore ties" with Russia, Peskov rejected the idea that relations had been severed.

"Armenia is a friendly country to us. It is a sovereign state, but we share deep historical, cultural, and bilateral ties, as well as joint participation in key integration structures like the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). We are pleased with Armenia’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations and are ready to develop them further in every possible way," he said.

Armenia recently joined the International Criminal Court and initiated the process for EU membership, moves that Russia has viewed as "unfriendly."