Peskov: Russia is open to diplomatic contacts

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Russia's Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov pointed out Tuesdsay that Moscow cannot confirm the information about the deployment of Russian peacekeeping forces into Luhansk and Donetsk People's republics (LPR and DPR)

"I cannot confirm this information. I do not know anything about it," Peskov told reporters.

He explained that the decision of the deployment of Russian forces to the DPR and the LPR would be made by President Vladimir Putin and the heads of the republics, based on expediency and depending on the situation there.

The spokesperson added that the main goal is to save lives and ensure the security of the residents of Donetsk and Lugansk, who are constantly subjected to provocations and aggressive practices by the Ukrainian armed forces.

"Extremely undesirable scenario"

Commenting on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's earlier statements about considering the possibility of severing diplomatic relations with Russia, Peskov said that Moscow considers Kiev's plans on severing diplomatic relations to be an "extremely undesirable scenario," as this will make everything even more difficult for the peoples of the two countries.

The Russian diplomat, however, reiterated Russia's openness to diplomatic contacts, but stressed that everything will depend on the opponents, noting that Moscow had not received so far any proposals for a meeting between Russian and US leaders.

West's reaction "predictable"

Peskov went on to describe the West's reaction to the recognition of the LPR and DPR as "predictable".

The presidential spokesperson concluded that Russia is ready to discuss with Western partners the cessation of Kiev's aggressive actions and Russia's security guarantees.

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the sovereignty of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics in the Donbass region.