Russia won't withdraw troops from ZNPP: Kremlin
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Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov discloses to reporters a series of updates on the Russian agenda, including negotiations with Zelensky, Gazprom repairs, and others.
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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov (TASS)
According to Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Monday, the withdrawal of troops from the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant (ZNPP) is not on Russia's agenda, as the main focus is to force Ukraine to stop shelling the plant for fear of a nuclear catastrophe.
When asked whether Russia is prepared to withdraw troops from the ZNPP at the request of the IAEA, Peskov responded, "Now we are not talking about the withdrawal of troops. Now we are talking about the main thing. This is to force the Ukrainian side to stop the barbaric shelling of objects on the territory of the plant, which is fraught with very sad and catastrophic consequences. We continue to call on all countries to use their influence ... to stop these attacks, which continue on a daily basis."
No prerequisites for Putin-Zelensky Talks
In response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's interview for CNN in which he said that he was not ready to negotiate with Russia, which "puts forward ultimatums," Peskov commented that currently, no prerequisites exist for holding a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky.
He added, "We do not see currently any negotiation prospects and continue to state the absence of any prerequisites for such negotiations", followed by a comment on Ankara's proposal to arrange such a meeting that there are no prerequisites for this either.
Putin in touch with MoD, military leaders on special operation
Peskov also confirmed that Putin is in constant contact with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and other military leaders regarding the operation updates in Ukraine and that any actions in the course of a special military operation in Ukraine are reported to Putin as well who also serves as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces.
Gazprom in contact with Siemens on Nord Stream repair
Concerning the repair of the damaged Nord Stream turbine following an oil leak, Peskov affirmed that Gazprom is communicating with Siemens on the matter. "As far as I understand, Gazprom is in direct contact with Siemens, because Siemens bears obligations under the current contracts for the maintenance of turbines," he said.
Peskov, however, stressed that "at the same time, Siemens, as a company, is now burdened with the restrictions imposed by sanctions," referring reporters to Gazprom for more details.
The oil leak was discovered during maintenance at the Trent 60 gas compressor unit (GPA No. 24) of the Portovaya compressor station, of which the detection report was signed by representatives of Siemens. The Nord Stream pipeline is completely stopped until the issue is resolved.
On a separate note, Peskov denied Monday's media reports claiming that Russia suggested India supply oil at a low price if New Dehli does not join the idea of putting a price cap on Russian gas, telling reporters it is "not true".
