Read Dmitry Peskov’s latest Kremlin statements on Ukraine peace talks, Putin’s meeting with China’s Li Qiang, and Armenia’s EAEU membership.
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov © Artyom Geodakyan
Kremlin statements on Ukraine peace talks remained a central focus of Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov’s briefing on October 21, 2026, alongside Russia-China relations and Armenia’s future in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Speaking to reporters in Moscow, Peskov reiterated that Russia wants a lasting peace rather than a temporary ceasefire. The Times of Russia presents the main points from the Kremlin briefing, including Moscow’s position on negotiations with Kiev and developments involving China and Armenia.
Kremlin Statements on Ukraine Peace Talks: Russia’s Position
Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed that Moscow’s position on a possible Russia-Ukraine energy ceasefire has not changed. He stressed that Russia is seeking a comprehensive peace agreement rather than a temporary pause in hostilities.
“Nothing has changed. We need peace, not a truce,” Peskov said.
The Kremlin spokesman also emphasized that a complete resolution of the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations cannot be achieved without Kiev’s participation. According to Peskov, a representative of the Ukrainian side must be involved for a full settlement to become possible.
“Naturally, it is impossible to fully resolve the Ukrainian issue without a representative from Kiev being present. Therefore, someone in Kiev must make a responsible decision. That is essential,” he stated.
His remarks underline Moscow’s position that Ukrainian participation is necessary for any comprehensive settlement of the conflict.
Peskov Comments on Finnish President Alexander Stubb
Peskov also addressed Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s position on Ukraine, expressing uncertainty about whether repeating the broader European stance would contribute to resolving the conflict.
The Kremlin spokesman said that a constructive contribution from Stubb would be welcomed, but simply restating the common European position was unlikely to help advance negotiations.
“We shall see what kind of constructive contribution Mr. Stubb might be able to make. If he can make a constructive contribution, that would be viewed positively. If not – if he can only repeat the shared European position – then it is unlikely to help constructively,” Peskov said.
The comments formed part of the wider discussion on Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations and the potential role of international leaders in efforts to resolve the conflict.
Vladimir Putin’s Meeting With China’s Li Qiang
Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, in St. Petersburg on October 21.
The meeting places China-Russia relations among the key subjects of the day’s Kremlin briefing. Peskov confirmed the scheduled talks as part of his remarks to journalists.
The meeting between Putin and Li Qiang comes amid continued diplomatic engagement between Moscow and Beijing. However, the briefing provided no additional details about the agenda or the expected outcomes of their discussions.
Armenia’s EAEU Membership Suspension Report
Another issue raised during the briefing concerned Armenia’s membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Peskov said the Kremlin had not yet examined a report prepared by the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council concerning the possible consequences of Armenia suspending its membership in the economic bloc.
When asked whether the report had been reviewed, the spokesman responded:
“No, we have not reviewed it. We have not reviewed it yet.”
The statement indicates that the Kremlin had not completed its examination of the report at the time of the briefing. No further assessment of the potential consequences of an Armenian suspension was provided.
The issue remains relevant to discussions about Armenia EAEU membership suspension and the possible implications for the country’s participation in the regional economic organization.
What the Kremlin Briefing Covered
The October 21 briefing addressed three principal areas: Russia’s approach to a potential energy ceasefire with Ukraine, Putin’s scheduled meeting with China’s Li Qiang, and the Kremlin’s position on the report concerning Armenia’s EAEU membership.
Peskov maintained that Moscow seeks peace rather than a temporary truce and reiterated that Kiev’s participation is essential to achieving a full settlement of the Ukrainian conflict. He also commented on the potential contribution of Finland’s president to discussions on Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Putin’s planned talks with Li Qiang highlighted the importance of China-Russia relations, while the report on Armenia’s EAEU membership remained under review.
The Times of Russia will continue covering developments in Russian diplomacy, Ukraine peace talks, relations with China, and regional economic affairs as further information becomes available.
