Kremlin on Nord Stream: Act of state terrorism to be investigated
Kremlin Spokesperson confirms that Russia would respond right back to any aggression but affirms that his country is not willing to delve into a scene of nuclear escalation.
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Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov (AP)
When asked if Russia has a suspect or reason indicating Western sabotage in the Nord Stream pipelines explosions, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov labeled Friday the act as state terrorism that cannot pass by without a serious international investigation.
"I cannot answer this question yet. Obviously, such an unprecedented act, one might say, [act] of state terrorism cannot and should not do without a serious international investigation. And, of course, interaction within the framework of such an investigation will be required," Peskov told reporters.
At least three strings of the pipelines were destructed according to Peskov, and information about the widely-circulated fourth leak is still to be confirmed.
Heads of annexed 4 regions to partake in signing event
The explosions coincided with the referenda, followed by the ratification of four agreements concerning the accession of the DPR, LPR, Kherson, and Zaporozhye regions to Russia. In this context, Peskov stated, "There will be an address, a speech by Russian President [Vladimir Putin ... and then there will be a ceremony of signing documents. The signing ceremony will be attended by DPR head Denis Pushilin, LPR head Leonid Pasechnik, Zaporizhzhia region head Yevgeny Balitsky, Kherson region head Vladimir Saldo. Four agreements on the admission of new subjects to Russia will be signed."
As a result, the four aforementioned regions will officially become sovereign territories of Russia and will also be subject to the agreement on the Union State.
Peskov stated, "The Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics are recognized by Russia within the borders of 2014," when asked if they would join Russia in whole or just the parts controlled by the Russian armed forces.
In light of the annexations, Ukraine has been shelling the four regions for the past two days targeting refugees in convoys which, according to Peskov, Russia considers an act of aggression against Moscow.
Expressing the way Russia would view the strikes on the new territories now pertaining to and protected by it, Peskov assured that Russia would respond right back but also affirmed that his country is not willing to delve into a scene of nuclear escalation.
"We do not want to develop this theme, we are still urging everyone to behave responsibly," Peskov said.
Phone conversation between Putin, UN chief not a current possibility
There are no intentions as of yet for a phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
After UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters on Thursday that "the annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine" by Russia holds "no legal value" and urged for it to be condemned, the Russian mission to the United Nations responded by expressing that it is an attack on the right to self-determination and an example of double standards.
It is noteworthy that the United States and NATO had announced that they will not recognize the results of the referenda in the four regions.
Peskov relayed to reporters about the situation that "so far, there are no plans for any talks. Nevertheless, the Russian side will continue to defend its position and will continue to promote the whole argumentation, which absolutely unambiguously shows that the whole process takes place within the framework of international law."
Revocation of TurkStream operator export license not affecting pipeline operation
On a separate note, Peskov discussed the recent matter of the export license revocation from South Stream Transport which operates the TurkStream gas pipeline via which Russian gas travels from the Black Sea to Turkey and European countries, adding that the move does not impact the functioning of the pipeline. "So far, I can only say that this does not affect its functioning," Peskov said.
On Thursday, South Stream Transport said the new EU sanctions imposed on September 18 instigated the early revocation, but the sanctions do not limit the continuation of transporting gas. South Stream Transport B.V. has applied for the renewal of its export license and is currently awaiting a response from Dutch authorities, as per the company.
