Everyone interested in JCPOA revival, some issues remain: Kremlin

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Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated today that all sides are interested in reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), but some unresolved issues remain. 

"There are still several inconsistent issues that still need to be finalized. Of course, all countries are interested in the JCPOA," Peskov told reporters.

With regards to the means of communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Peskov stressed that the President himself should clarify Russia's position to European leaders rather than the "counterpart from across the ocean," he added.

"Without direct contacts, it is often impossible to bring information from the first person. And it is much better for us if Putin explains our position to his counterpart than this position, for example, will be explained to someone from across the ocean. Still, the original source is much more reliable," Peskov told reporters, commenting on Putin's talks with the French and German leaders.

In the context of the country's foreign affairs, the Spokesperson explained that Putin's conversations with other leaders, including from the EU countries, are constructive and take place in a tone of mutual respect.

"Despite the fact that we have included a number of countries in the list of unfriendly countries, based on their hostile steps, communication still occurs with some of them. Without communication, without negotiations, it is impossible to carry out these relations. And of course, these relationships are still carried out in a normal human form, and these are always quite constructive conversations," Peskov told reporters, noting that these talks "are most often all carried out in a tone of mutual respect."

Ukraine’s claims on Crimea to receive proper response 

Crimea is part of Russia and any claims made by Ukraine on this area will be met with appropriate responses, according to him.

"Crimea is an integral part of the Russian Federation, so any claims to Russian territory will receive a proper answer," Peskov told reporters.

War crimes in Izium remind of Bucha provocation

Peskov believes that Ukraine is attempting to replicate the scenario that occurred in Bucha by circulating false information about war crimes in Izium.

Read next: Kiev using its soldiers' bodies to claim Russian massacre - Official

"This is the same scenario as in Bucha. Everything is developing according to one scenario. This is a lie. This is a lie, and of course, we will defend the truth in this whole story," he told reporters when asked about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s statement about alleged war crimes committed by Russia in the Kharkov region.

Kremlin on EU-Hungary Row: Sometimes there are disagreements

Hungary is still a member of the European Union, but there are conflicts, according to Peskov, who added that Moscow appreciates Budapest's autonomous attitude on many subjects.

The European Commission recommended withholding billions of euros in funds from Hungary due to suspected rule-of-law infractions on Sunday but said Budapest's suggested corrective action might avoid fines.

Read next: EU could cut funds for Hungary over alleged rule-of-law violations

"Still, Hungary remains a member of the European Union, of course. Sometimes disagreements arise. By the way, about this solution, you also need to look into the dynamics of the development of the situation, because there were also reports that there is already a certain plan of resolution in Budapest that is being worked out," Peskov told reporters.

The official went on to say that Hungary has a sovereign point of view on many matters, which the Kremlin appreciates.

Read next: Hungary to make concessions to EU to prevent funding cuts: Minister