When It’s Time
In interviews with RBC-TV and Izvestia, Dmitry Peskov outlined expectations for a forthcoming presidential visit by Vladimir Putin to Donbass. He stated there is no doubt a trip will occur when conditions permit and emphasized ongoing Russian support for Donbass recovery. The efforts include continued construction, the introduction of new facilities, and intensified work to restore essential life-support systems such as water, energy, and social infrastructure. Thousands of workers are reportedly involved, aiming to rebuild the region comprehensively. Regarding a potential meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents, Peskov noted that any high-level discussion would require a solid foundation of prior agreement before it can appear on the agenda.
On the topic of a Putin–Zelensky meeting, he stressed that such encounters must be purposeful. Real preparation and concrete bases are necessary for meaningful dialogue rather than a symbolic gesture.
A Very Hard Sentence
A Kremlin spokesperson told RBC-TV that the Putin-era verdict against Ivan Safronov was severe. The spokesperson underscored that the decision rests with the court and declined further comment. He added that the case against the Roscosmos adviser had ended due to the seriousness of the charges acknowledged by the court. If Safronov were to seek a presidential pardon, the process would require a formal admission of guilt, the spokesperson noted, explaining that pardon requests follow legal procedures and that Safronov had not admitted guilt according to statements made.
Ahead of the Moscow City Court verdict, Safronov faced a sentence of 22 years in a strict-regime colony for treason, with a two-year liberty restriction and a fine of 500,000 rubles to be paid after release. The trial was held behind closed doors, though journalists were allowed to review the verdict.
Turkey as a Key Partner
In an Izvestia interview, Peskov acknowledged disagreements between Russia and Turkey over Ukraine but asserted that these do not obstruct Moscow’s cooperation with Ankara. He described Turkey as a friendly and important partner in political and economic spheres. Turkey has not joined illegal sanctions against Russia and pursues an independent foreign policy, keeping avenues open for continued collaboration with significant potential yet to be realized.
He noted that Russia continues to present its position on Ukraine to Turkish partners and would seek mutually beneficial relationships with partners willing to cooperate. The approach emphasizes mutual respect and shared interests whenever possible. In late August, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan argued that Crimea should be returned to Ukraine and that Ankara does not recognize Russia’s annexation. A spokesman for Erdogan later confirmed that Crimea’s return should underpin any future agreement between Moscow and Kyiv, as reported by a Turkish news source.
Unprecedented Pressure
Peskov stated that Russia is responding to Western actions but will not compromise its own interests in the process. He described the current climate as difficult and argued that firm, clear responses are sometimes necessary and not always echoed by outsiders. He asserted that Russia’s policy is to resist interference and act in its own interests rather than yielding to external pressure. He noted that Western sanctions and visa or work restrictions form part of a broader pressure campaign that Russia must navigate. Peskov also characterized the Western push as unprecedented and highlighted two overlapping crises affecting Europe: the ongoing Covid situation and sanctions-driven economic strain. He warned that these pressures have destabilized broader European economic relations and global markets, stressing the need for decisive, domestically oriented responses.