Russia calls French 'plans' to send soldiers to Ukraine 'alarming'

MOSCOW

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday called information claiming that France plans to send soldiers to Ukraine as "alarming."

Commenting on a report by the Russian Intelligence Service (SVR), which claimed Paris is preparing 2,000 soldiers to fight on Ukraine's side, Peskov said: "It is alarming."

Asked at a press briefing about the prospects for resuming negotiations on Ukraine, Peskov said the current pause was due to Kyiv’s unwillingness to continue the negotiation process and its refusal to respond to Moscow's proposals for further work in three groups -- on political, military, and humanitarian affairs.

There was no immediate comment from France, which, along with the UK, leads a so-called "coalition of the willing" that aims to deploy troops to Ukraine once the conflict ends.

Responding to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's statements that Ukraine allegedly has the right to strike Russian infrastructure objects throughout Europe, the Kremlin spokesman said they amount to "justifying terrorist acts."

He recommended that the leadership of European countries reflect on why such a close alliance with Poland, which justifies terrorist attacks, is necessary for the EU.

Peskov also said that if Europe chooses to further support Ukraine, it will mean further expenses for its taxpayers.

“Here, Europeans must prepare for the fact that if they continue their relations with the Kyiv regime as they do now, they will have to pay longer and more,” he added.

Regarding Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda's threat to halt communication between mainland Russia and its Kaliningrad enclave that passes across the Baltic state's territory, Peskov said Moscow will ensure uninterrupted communications with its "integral part."

Asked whether Moscow had discussed with the leaders of China and India Washington's attempts to force them to abandon the purchase of Russian oil and gas, Peskov said Russia offers high-quality energy resources at attractive prices, but it remains up to customers whether to buy them or not.

“We offer our product. This product is strategically important for many countries. It is competitive and attractive. From here, each country decides how attractive it is and how well other proposed alternatives can compete with our product,” he said.

Peskov explained Hungary's interest in Russia's energy resources by their "highly competitive qualities."

“In general, (Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor) Orban defends his country’s interests. Any country is interested in purchasing strategic goods like energy resources of better quality, larger quantities, and at lower prices. In this regard, Russian energy resources are very competitive in international markets,” he said.

Coming to other international affairs, Peskov said Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui discussed on Monday issues related to plans for the further development and strengthening of friendship, partnership, and alliances between the two nations.

Regarding a possible visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Peskov said: “At present, we have nothing to report on this subject.”