MOSCOW
Russia said on Wednesday that proposals emerging from consultations between Ukraine, the EU and the US will indicate whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is prepared to pursue a peaceful settlement.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is waiting to see the outcome of the talks before drawing conclusions.
"All this will become clear once we examine the documents produced as a result of discussions between Americans, Europeans, and Ukrainians," Peskov told a press briefing in Moscow.
He said the Kremlin expects the US to share details of the consultations with Russia once they are finalized.
"We expect that, as they become available, our American counterparts will inform us about the results of their work with Ukrainians and Europeans," he said.
Asked about media reports that Washington may prepare new sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector if a peace agreement is not reached, Peskov said such measures would undermine efforts to normalize relations.
"We haven’t seen these reports yet, but it is well known that in certain offices in Washington, such plans do exist," he said.
Peskov also reiterated Moscow’s position on the possible deployment of Western military forces in Ukraine.
"Our position on foreign military contingents on Ukrainian soil is well-known. It has been articulated by the president and at other working levels. It is widely known, absolutely consistent, and clear. Still, this remains a subject for discussion," he said.
His comments followed a joint statement issued by EU leaders on Monday after talks in Berlin, which proposed security guarantees for Kyiv that could include a European-led multinational force formed within a “coalition of volunteers,” with US backing.
The proposal envisages assistance in rebuilding Ukraine’s military, securing its airspace and waters, and conducting operations inside the country.
Moscow has repeatedly opposed any NATO troop presence in Ukraine. On Aug. 21, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said security guarantees based on “foreign military intervention on any part of Ukrainian territory” would be unacceptable to Russia.