Kremlin: European sanctions led to suspension of Nord Stream

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Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that it is Europe's anti-Russia sanction policy that led to Russian gas deliveries being suspended through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline.

"We all know about the UK sanctions against our country. Without proper legal guarantees that these sanctions will not be extended, it is impossible to perform any manipulations with them. That is, the Europeans brought this situation to a head, namely their own sanctions," Peskov told reporters.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said on Wednesday that gas delivery via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline had been completely suspended due to the scheduled maintenance works at the Portovaya compressor station.

Read more: Gazprom suspends deliveries to France Engie due to non-payment

Europeans will also have issues when traveling to Russia

Regarding the possible EU visa ban for Russians, Peskov pointed out that Europeans will also face problems when traveling to Russia if EU countries decide to impose a visa ban on Russians.

"Some countries are talking about limiting the process of issuing visas ... Well, they will create inconvenience for people. There is nothing good in this. Their people will also face inconvenience when they come here," the Spokesperson underlined.

The official affirmed that Russia is closely following the development of the situation with a possible visa ban and will respond to the unfriendly measure if the EU decides to impose the restriction.

Resumption of START talks with US should take place without favors

In a different context, Peskov said that Russia and the United States should resume discussions on the New START treaty without any favors, adding that there is no significant progress yet.

"There are signals. We are convinced that the resumption of these START negotiations should take place without any favors. We are equally interested in this ... Diplomats are working, there is no significant progress," he told reporters.

It is noteworthy that in 1991, the first Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, START I, was signed between the US and the USSR and took effect in 1994.

In 2010, then-US President Barack Obama and then-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a successor agreement named New START, which set a limit of no more than 1,550 deployed warheads and 700 missiles, including inspections to verify compliance with the deal.

Turkey’s position on Crimea not obstacle to Moscow-Ankara cooperation

Regarding Russia and Turkey’s relationship, the Kremlin Spokesperson said Turkey's position on Crimea is not an obstacle to Moscow-Ankara cooperation on issues of mutual interests, adding that Russia values Turkey’s mediation efforts.

Earlier in August, Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Crimea should be returned to Ukraine.

"Ankara from the very beginning spoke about its disagreement with us on this. But Crimea is part of Russia, so what Erdogan is talking about is impossible," Peskov said.

"Nevertheless, this does not prevent us from interacting with Turkey where it is beneficial for us. We highly appreciate the efforts of Turkey to unravel difficult situations, as was the case with grain," he affirmed.

Read more: Zelensky: We will be returning Crimea by any means