Kremlin says will ‘never sell’ captured Ukrainian territory
The Kremlin ruled out any territorial concessions as part of a truce with Ukraine, saying that Russia would never “sell” territory it has seized in eastern Ukraine as part of any cease-fire deal.
“The people decided to join Russia a long time ago,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state TV, referring to votes in eastern Ukraine held amid the offensive, AFP reported.
“No one will ever sell off these territories. That’s the most important thing.”
The Kremlin also hailed dialogue between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin – two “extraordinary” presidents – as “promising”.
Trump broke with Western policy earlier this month by phoning Putin to discuss how to end the Ukraine conflict.
Top Russian and US officials then met in Saudi Arabia last week to discuss a “restoration” of ties and start a discussion on a possible Ukraine cease-fire – all without the involvement of Kiev or Europe.
“This is a dialogue between two extraordinary presidents,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state TV on Sunday.
“It is important that nothing prevents us from realizing the political will of the two heads of state.”
Trump’s overtures to Moscow have triggered alarm in Kiev and across Europe.
But it is unclear whether his moves will be able to bring Moscow and Kiev closer to a truce.