Dmitry Peskov

The Kremlin welcomed the decision to lift the ban on the Russian Olympic Committee. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov described it as an 'important step' toward returning Russian athletes to 'their rightful place in international competitions.'

The Kremlin praised the IOC's decision to ease restrictions on Russia, allowing it to field a full team at the 2028 Olympics. The IOC provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee and advised sports bodies to stop requiring athlete vetting as neutrals. However, some sports like track and field and FIFA have not yet followed the IOC's guidance.

The Kremlin praised the International Olympic Committee's decision to ease restrictions on Russia, allowing potential full team participation in the 2028 Olympics. The IOC provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, though individual sports bodies like track and field are not following, and FIFA is analyzing the move.

The Kremlin stated it is closely monitoring the NATO Summit, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov noting a series of 'confrontational' statements about Russia preceding the event.

Russia is considering importing gasoline amid Ukrainian drone strikes disrupting its fuel supply, with President Putin acknowledging a 4% decline in national gasoline reserves. The Kremlin confirmed talks with foreign suppliers, while tax changes and subsidies are being implemented to stabilize the market.

The Kremlin has confirmed ongoing negotiations to import gasoline, though a spokesman declined to specify the countries involved in the discussions.

The Kremlin announced it would examine a viral video by Russian military veteran Alexander Lunin, who alleged that Russian commanders in Ukraine are torturing and murdering soldiers for refusing 'suicidal orders.' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the video but cited its 'strange wording.'

The Kremlin stated that nuclear weapons are the only safeguard against global war, citing an eroding international security system. This follows the expiration of the New START treaty between Russia and the US, which was the last remaining limit on their nuclear arsenals.

The Kremlin has assured that Russia's macroeconomic stability remains intact despite fluctuations in energy markets. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the country's macroeconomic stability is 'not a matter of doubt for anyone.'

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized EU member governments for attempting to negotiate with Russia from a position of strength, calling the approach a dead end. He stated that Moscow remains open to dialogue with Europe.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Russia is prepared to resume discussions on Ukraine, asserting Moscow is not responsible for the communication halt. The comments follow the Kremlin's denial of receiving a proposal from Zelensky for talks during the G7 summit in France.

EU leaders disagree on establishing a back-channel with Moscow to address Russia's war in Ukraine. European Council President António Costa proposed outreach to the Kremlin, but consensus was not reached, with some leaders opposing mediation efforts. Russia's spokesperson indicated openness to talks if Europe abandons a 'force-based' approach.

Finland's parliament voted to repeal a 1987 ban on nuclear weapons, aligning with NATO's deterrence strategy after joining the alliance in 2023. The amendment to the Nuclear Energy Act received a strong majority, allowing nuclear weapons to be transported or possessed in Finland for defense needs, despite opposition warnings about escalation and Russian criticism.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been informed about an open letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov and state news agency TASS.

Ukraine's drone strikes disrupted President Vladimir Putin's St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, casting a gloomy tone on Russia's economic showcase. The attacks, targeting a naval base and oil terminal near St. Petersburg, highlighted Ukraine's ability to strike deep into Russia and underscored the conflict's growing impact on the event. Russia has delayed flights and restricted internet access to mitigate further drone threats.

Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil terminal in St. Petersburg, causing a fire and black smoke, as the city hosts a major Russian economic forum. The attack embarrassed President Vladimir Putin ahead of his speech at the event, which is likened to the World Economic Forum in Davos. Russia suspended flights and internet services in response.

The French Navy, supported by the UK, intercepted a sanctioned Russian oil tanker named Tagor in the Atlantic. The tanker, suspected of operating under a false flag, was traveling from Murmansk and is being escorted for checks. Russia's Kremlin called the action illegal and akin to piracy.

A Russian drone crashed into an apartment block in Galati, Romania, injuring a woman and child, prompting NATO to condemn Moscow's 'reckless behavior' and reaffirm its commitment to defending alliance territory. Russia's government acknowledged the incident, with officials warning of continued drone operations in European countries.

The Kremlin rejected film director Andrei Zvyagintsev's anti-war appeal to President Vladimir Putin, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating Zvyagintsev lacks the right to criticize the war due to his failure to condemn Ukrainian attacks on the Donbas region.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin made limited progress on plans to build a new gas pipeline between the two countries during their Beijing summit. While they reached a basic understanding on the route and construction methods, no clear timeline was established and several details remain unresolved, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Hungary's shift from being Russia's closest European ally to a new political era under PM-elect Péter Magyar has left the Kremlin reconsidering its alliances. The Kremlin expressed cautious optimism about Magyar's potential for pragmatic dialogue, following Orbán's electoral loss.

Russian drone strikes in Odesa killed at least two people and injured two others, occurring ahead of a proposed Orthodox Easter ceasefire. Both Russia and Ukraine have expressed willingness to pause hostilities, but previous ceasefire attempts have failed due to mutual accusations of violations.