US neutrality, mediation in Ukrainian settlement: statements by Kremlin Spokesman

MOSCOW, June 26. /TASS/. The neutrality of the United States and its mediation in the Ukrainian settlement were the main topics of Friday's briefing by Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

TASS has compiled the key statements from the Kremlin representative.

On Putin’s schedule

- Russian President Vladimir Putin is holding closed internal meetings and consultations today, but he may have international contacts in the evening.

About US mediation on Ukraine

- Russia sees US President Donald Trump's earnest desire to help find a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict, and believes Washington's good offices could be useful given its influence over Kiev and the EU: "Given the United States' influence over both European countries and Ukraine, and taking into consideration what we believe is the sincere desire of President Trump and his team to help bring the settlement process onto a peaceful track, we highly appreciate the US willingness."

- Russia appreciates the United States' willingness to facilitate a resolution in Ukraine, and that no statements have been made indicating Washington's abandonment of this commitment: "No one has dismissed the US intention to continue its efforts. In fact, President Donald Trump has stated that once issues related to the Iranian settlement — an inherently complex and demanding process — are resolved, the United States will once again intensify its diplomatic efforts regarding Ukraine."

- Russia remains open to providing mediation services for the settlement of the Ukraine conflict, including to the United States: "We would welcome this, we remain open to these services and to the process of peaceful settlement itself."

About US neutrality

- The United States cannot be seen as fully neutral in the Ukraine conflict given its assistance to Kiev: "As for absolute neutrality, this term is probably not applicable here because the United States supplies weapons to Ukraine — albeit for a price, whereas earlier it was allegedly done for free — and it also assists Ukraine by providing other technologies. The process continues, so there is certainly no absolute neutrality."

- French President Emmanuel Macron cannot be "Washington's lawyer and press secretary" when discussing whether the United States is a neutral party in the conflict in Ukraine: "Regarding President Macron's statements, it's difficult to judge. I don't think President Macron can in any way claim to be Washington's lawyer or press secretary."

- Moscow has not heard any statements from the United States confirming that Washington is no longer a neutral mediator in the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict: "We have not received any confirmation of this statement [made by French President Emmanuel Macron after the G7 Summit that the United States is no longer a neutral mediator in the Ukrainian conflict settlement] from the United States so far.".