Ukraine into demilitarized country a possible compromise: Kremlin

• 

The proposal of turning Ukraine into a demilitarized country with its own army, like what happened in Austria or Sweden, can be viewed as a compromise, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Russia's chief negotiator, presidential assistant Vladimir Medinsky, revealed that during the talks with Russia, Ukraine expressed willingness to demilitarize but stressed that it wanted to retain its own military forces, similar to Sweden or Austria.

"This is the option that is really being discussed now and which can be seen as a real compromise," Peskov told reporters.

Russia, Ukraine Touched Upon Topic of Sanctions at Talks

Peskov also said the sanctions issue was on the negotiations table between Moscow and Kiev but said it was too early to reveal any details.

"I will not comment [on it]. Indeed, the topic of sanctions is touched upon at these negotiations. But I would not like to give any details now," Peskov told reporters when asked whether Russia would link the signing of the final document with Kiev with the lifting of Western sanctions.

US Pressure on other countries unprecedented 

Washington's pressure on other countries is unparalleled these days, with the great majority succumbing to it. However, there are others who follow their own way, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday. 

"The United States is exerting unprecedented pressure on many countries of the world these days. The vast majority of countries bend under this pressure, but there are also countries that do not bend and take their sovereign position, more balanced. And they openly declare that they consider any pressure on themselves unacceptable," Peskov told reporters.

Russia's sanctions on Biden not mean renunciation of top-level contacts

Russia's decision to impose sanctions on US Vice President Joe Biden does not exclude top-level contacts, Peskov highlighted.

The Russian foreign ministry reacted to US sanctions targeting Russian officials and famous persons on Tuesday. Individual sanctions were proposed against key US officials, including Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and others.

Read more: What Russian banks and institutions have been subject to US sanctions?

"If necessary, these contacts can be resumed, and the imposition of these sanctions does not mean the rejection of contacts," Peskov told reporters.

Putin agreed on list of persons targeted by Russia's sanctions 

The list of those sanctioned by Russia was agreed upon with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the Kremlin spokesperson.

The Russian foreign ministry responded to US sanctions targeting Russian officials and famous persons on Tuesday. Individual penalties were proposed against key US officials, including Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and others.

"This, of course, was agreed with the head of state," Peskov told reporters. Russia can expand the list to include other world leaders, the official added.