(Kremlin) confirms political will to resume "trilateral talks" to settle the conflict in Ukraine

Moscow, Sept 9 (KUNA) -- The Russian presidency (the Kremlin) confirmed on Wednesday the existence of “clear political will” to resume trilateral talks on settling the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible, noting ongoing communications with the United States and work on several files, foremost among them the crisis settlement. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia continues its contacts with the United States on the Ukrainian file, clarifying that Moscow does not rule out resuming the trilateral talk format, while details regarding the timing and venue of such talks remain under discussion. He pointed to continued Russian-U.S. work on prisoner exchanges, with the issue being discussed at the highest levels, including during communications between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. Peskov explained that discussions between the Russian president and his American counterpart during a phone call on Tuesday focused on efforts to end the war in Ukraine, and that the two sides agreed on the importance of continuing prisoner exchange operations. He noted the possibility of a summit between Putin, Trump, and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, scheduled to be held in the Chinese city of Shenzhen. On the economic file, the spokesperson argued that European countries are harming their own economies by refusing to obtain Russian gas and instead resorting to purchasing gas at higher prices in spot markets. He added that gas prices in Europe have not yet reached their peak, predicting continued record levels as European markets experience rising prices amid geopolitical instability. On another note, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in media comments that NATO’s efforts in recent years have turned the Arctic region into a geopolitical confrontation zone with Russia. She added that NATO’s activity in the Arctic poses a threat to Russia’s security, noting that Moscow views military developments in the region as part of escalating geopolitical tensions. Zakharova expressed Russia’s readiness to take necessary measures to address emerging threats in the Arctic, including the use of available military and technical means. Regarding the Russian research vessel Professor Molchanov, which was detained by Norwegian authorities, she clarified that the ship remains under detention, explaining that all crew members and passengers have returned home, and describing the Norwegian procedures regarding the ship’s detention as “well-planned.” On the Ukrainian file, Zakharova said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s statements about insecurity in Russian airspace revealed, in Moscow’s assessment, “the essence of the Kyiv regime,” pointing to Zelensky’s use of what she termed “air blackmail.” She considered that the main goal of Zelensky’s threats to Russian airspace “is not to inflict real damage on Russia, but to attempt to impose an economic blockade on it,” viewing these threats as an attempt to sow chaos and destabilize. The spokesperson stressed Russia’s efforts at the United Nations and with the incoming UN Secretary-General to obtain a clear response regarding the “staged event” in Bucha and the Leipzig incident. On relations with North Korea, Zakharova said that Russia-North Korea relations have reached an “unprecedented” level, highlighting active cooperation between the two sides in all fields. These comments come amid rising tensions between Russia and Western countries over the war in Ukraine, with Moscow accusing NATO of strengthening its military presence in the Arctic, while the alliance states that its activities in the region are aimed at enhancing deterrence and defense and addressing growing security challenges. The Arctic region holds increasing strategic importance for Russia and NATO countries amid climate change, the opening of new sea routes, and growing interest in natural resources, transport lines, and energy in the region. (End) Dan / F.S.