Russia says it continues to view Istanbul agreements as foundation for negotiations on Ukraine
US also acknowledges possibility of using March 2022 agreements as basis for future peace document, argues Kremlin spokesman
MOSCOW
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that Russia continues to view the 2022 Istanbul agreements as the foundation for negotiations on resolving the Ukraine conflict.
Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov said the US has also acknowledged the possibility of using the Russia-Ukraine Istanbul agreements as a basis for a future peace document.
"We have also heard statements from Washington suggesting that this could serve as a foundation, a starting point for negotiations. And, of course, President (of Russia Vladimir) Putin has reiterated that the Istanbul agreements could form the basis for discussions," he said.
In March 2022, Russia and Ukraine held multiple rounds of talks in Istanbul, which resulted in the approval of a draft peace agreement.
However, Kyiv later withdrew from the agreement. Representatives of the Ukrainian presidential administration later claimed the decision was influenced by then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Russia weighs retaliation to EU’s rearmament plans
Turning to the EU’s rearmament plans, Peskov said Russia is following discussions on the EU’s militarization.
"This is a process we are watching closely, as the EU positions Russia as its main adversary," he said.
Peskov said European leaders have openly said their military buildup is aimed at countering Russia. This, he said, is a matter of deep concern for Moscow and may necessitate countermeasures to ensure Russia's security.
"There might be a need to take appropriate retaliatory measures to safeguard our safety," he said.
EU leaders on Thursday agreed to significantly boost defense spending to strengthen Europe’s security. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed an €800 billion ($870 billion) rearmament plan, with each nation increasing military spending by 1.5%.
Peskov criticized the EU’s stance, saying it contradicts efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution in Ukraine.
"The confrontational rhetoric and developments we are currently witnessing in Brussels and other European capitals are, of course, fundamentally at odds with any intention to pursue a peaceful settlement around Ukraine," he said.
