About the oil price ceiling
Russia is moving toward a presidential decree in response to Western nations implementing a price ceiling on its oil. The document is nearing completion, a point confirmed by the president’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, during a daily briefing.
“The President indicated that the decree will be discussed in Bishkek, with additional issues on the table,” Peskov explained. “In the coming days, this debate will wrap up and the decree will be formalized.”
Oil from Russia has been set at a 60-dollar-per-barrel benchmark by the European Union, the G7, and Australia as of December 5. Moscow has repeatedly warned that it could suspend deliveries to nations backing price-limit measures on its raw materials.
About the Kremlin events in December
Peskov said there will be no New Year’s reception at the Kremlin this year. Traditionally, the year-end gathering takes place at the State Kremlin Palace, where the president addresses regional leaders and other officials.
On the anticipated message to the Bundestag before year’s end, Peskov promised further guidance later. “We will align directions with the message,” he noted.
Peskov also mentioned that a large press conference with the president was not planned for the year. Earlier statements suggested a date would be set after the Bundestag message, with assurances that journalists would have opportunities to speak with the president. The Kremlin spokesperson added that the usual December summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not take place this year.
“In reality, no meetings are scheduled until year’s end. It seems that, by year-end, nothing has been ruled out since there were no planned contacts. Next year the program will be coordinated,” Peskov explained.
About Victor Bout
Asked whether Putin had met or spoken with Viktor Bout, Peskov said there was no personal meeting and he was unaware of any planned call. Bout’s decision to join the Liberal Democratic Party, announced on December 12, was described as a personal matter by the presidential press secretary. “If he sees political prospects for himself in the party, that is his personal business,” Peskov stated.
He also emphasized that the release of Brittney Griner, the American who was exchanged for Bout, followed legal procedures and was conducted in accordance with the law.
About Serbia and Kosovo
The Kremlin reaffirmed its support for the rights of Kosovo Serbs and urged a peaceful, diplomatic approach to tensions near the Kosovo-Serbia border after protests. Peskov highlighted the priority given to protecting Serb rights and pursuing dialogue to ease the situation.
He noted that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić did not request Russian aid to de-escalate regional tensions. “No, there was no such application. Russia still values its fraternal ties with Serbia and hopes for a swift reduction in tension,” the spokesperson stated.