About the USA and Ukraine
Washington’s terms for talks with Kyiv drew a sharp rebuke from Moscow. Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, framed President Biden’s position as unacceptable for Russia. He asserted that Biden signaled negotiations could start only after Putin withdraws from Ukraine, a stance that Moscow sees as altering the negotiations’ core. Russia does not recognize any new territories as part of its federation, Peskov said, which he argues makes finding common ground harder.
That is how the Kremlin interpreted Biden’s remarks after talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Washington. Biden himself said he would not contact Putin soon, warning that he would choose his words carefully and noting openness to conversation if Putin demonstrated genuine interest in ending the war. He suggested that a real commitment to peace had not yet been shown by Moscow.
In response, Peskov emphasized that Russia is not ready to accept conditions seen as constraints on its sovereignty. The special military operation in Ukraine, he reiterated, would continue. Yet Putin remains open to negotiations if Russia’s interests are safeguarded. Kremlin officials point to earlier efforts before the war to discuss Ukraine with the United States, NATO, and the OSCE, highlighting that reciprocity was lacking. The preferred path, according to Peskov, remains peaceful diplomacy.
About the oil price ceiling
The Kremlin declined to comment on any ceiling on Russian oil being considered by European Union members. Officials said they would speak only once an official statement is issued. Recent Western reporting, citing sources and the U.S. Treasury, claimed EU ministers had agreed on a $60 per barrel cap, with Poland proposing as low as $30. Reuters noted that other EU states were awaiting Warsaw’s final decision.
Peskov also addressed the case of Germany’s Uniper suing Gazprom Export in international arbitration. He stated that Russia would defend its interests by all lawful means. Uniper announced a lawsuit on November 30 seeking compensation for gas deliveries that were not made since June, with estimated damages of €11.6 billion as the German company was previously nationalized.
About Russian culture
At the World Cup in Qatar, the performance of the song Katyusha and the presence of American and British fans did not escape the Kremlin’s notice. Peskov said that while Russia is not participating, its culture remains an integral part of global culture and cannot be erased by political actions.
The presidential spokesman also noted Russia’s willingness to help facilitate dialogue between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Bashar Assad amid regional tensions. He stressed that Moscow has long supported such contacts as a means to foster peace and regional stability, and that Russia stands ready to assist in any constructive way. Earlier, Moscow signaled intentions to organize a meeting in Russia between Damascus and Ankara, while officials underscored that mediation would not be imposed but offered as a possible path to peace.