Russia believes the UN Security Council should be reformed and expanded, while retaining the institution of permanent membership as an important element of the United Nations’ structure, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.


Peskov was commenting on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s proposal to abolish the veto power held by the five permanent members of the Security Council.


He also criticized Washington’s refusal to issue a visa to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov to attend UN-related events, describing the decision as “another unfriendly step by Washington.”


Ukraine conflict and conditions for peace


Peskov said statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding whether to continue or halt the conflict were contradictory. He attributed Zelenskyy’s recent calls for a ceasefire to what he described as a worsening situation for Ukraine on the battlefield and in the economic sphere.


According to Peskov, Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently advocated a lasting and sustainable peace rather than a temporary pause in hostilities.


“Kyiv knows perfectly well what decisions need to be made to launch the peace process,” Peskov said.


Black Sea shipping and grain exports


Peskov said Türkiye had raised the issue of ending attacks on vessels in the Black Sea.


“Türkiye has indeed raised the issue of ending attacks on vessels in the Black Sea. Grain supplies through the region are currently significantly complicated through Kyiv’s fault, but Russia is successfully providing alternative routes for exporting its harvest,” he said.


Arctic and Greenland


Peskov said Western countries were reducing cooperation with Russia in the Arctic, but argued that this did not diminish Moscow’s role in the region.


He added that Arctic issues were currently not part of the agenda of contacts between Russia and the United States.


Commenting on the possibility of agreements concerning Greenland, the Kremlin spokesman said their signing would be “an internal matter of the countries concerned.”


By Vafa Guliyeva