MOSCOW, September 28. /TASS/. The need to resume arms control talks with the United States, the meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, and Russia-Serbia relations were the main topics of Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov’s briefing.
TASS has compiled the key statements by the Kremlin spokesman.
On arms control
- Arms control talks with the US should have been revived "back yesterday": "Arms control talks should have been revived, like, yesterday."
- The issue of arms control has now been "laid bare" and lacks a legal framework: "According to the Russian presidential spokesman, no legal framework for this issue currently exists."
- Reaching arms control agreements with the US requires lengthy and thorough preparation, so results cannot be expected quickly: "This is such a complex matter that it requires very lengthy, meticulous, and expert-level negotiations. Therefore, in any case, it will be a process that takes a long time."
- China has maintained its position on arms control, as far as Moscow is aware: "We know our Chinese friends' position very well. They have consistently stated that, since their nuclear arsenal is not comparable to the nuclear arsenals of Russia and the United States, they do not consider participation in such negotiations to be either necessary or feasible."
- Moscow is currently not aware of any changes in China’s position on the issue.
On Ukraine’s actions
- Ukraine will "pay a price" for its strikes against Russia: "Russian President [Vladimir Putin] also spoke about this. Ukraine will have to pay a price for its actions in recent months. This is happening now. Our armed forces continue the special military operation and are systematically striking targets they consider expedient."
- Russia must ensure its security and make sure that no one dares attempt to launch strikes against the country: "Russia’s national interests are very well known to everyone. We must safeguard our security. We must make sure that no one dares to announce plans for a devastating strike against Russia within 40 days, as, for example, has been said in the Kiev regime."
- Putin spoke "very comprehensively" about Russia’s position on the resumption of talks on Ukraine.
On relations with Germany
- Bilateral relations between Russia and Germany are approaching zero.
- The meeting between the Russian and German foreign ministers is a positive development, but it would be wrong to draw broad conclusions about an imminent change in bilateral relations: "The fact that such a meeting took place is certainly positive. We have always said that dialogue is better than no dialogue. Even when bilateral relations are approaching zero, it is better to talk to each other. But it would be a mistake to draw sweeping conclusions about imminent changes."
- No change in Berlin’s policy is signaled by the meeting: "Not in any way. You heard our foreign minister say that he heard nothing new."
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with his German counterpart on September 26 for the first time in four and a half years.
On relations with Serbia
- Relations between Moscow and Belgrade go far beyond ties with individual figures.
- Moscow is certain that relations with Serbia will continue to develop constructively in all areas: "We are therefore sure that our relations will continue to develop in a highly constructive way in every possible area."
- The Kremlin is confident that contacts with Serbia’s political leadership and economic operators will continue: "We are confident that contacts with the political leadership and economic operators in Serbia will continue."
On FIDE
- Russia’s former Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov can contribute to the development of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) as its vice president: "We are also pleased that our colleague Kolobkov will be vice president and that he will be able to contribute to the development of the federation."
- The Kremlin is certain that Russian chess players will be able to return to FIDE in the foreseeable future: "We do not hide our regret that our team was not allowed to return to FIDE. But we are confident that through consistent, methodical and calm work with FIDE, we will be able to secure this return in the foreseeable future.".