Astana: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Thursday welcomed Hungary's refusal to provide military assistance to Ukraine, suggesting that peace would come sooner if other countries adopted a similar position. Speaking at a press briefing in Astana, Kazakhstan, Peskov praised comments by Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who stated that Budapest would not send weapons or military equipment to Kyiv.
According to Anadolu Agency, Magyar expressed on social media after a NATO meeting that while Hungary would remain a reliable partner in the world's strongest military alliance, it had informed the Secretary General that Hungary would not be supplying weapons or military equipment to Ukraine. Peskov emphasized that any refusal to 'pour fuel on the fire' deserved support.
Peskov also welcomed reports that some European officials were interested in restoring contacts with Moscow, asserting that dialogue remained essential despite strained relations between Russia and the European Union. He criticized the complete refusal of dialogue with Russia by Europeans and Brussels as a significant oversight, emphasizing that it is impossible to discuss and solve problems without dialogue.
In addition, Peskov addressed issues related to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), a regional economic bloc comprising much of the former Soviet space, ahead of the group's summit in Astana. He noted that member states welcomed Uzbekistan's growing interest in the organization, highlighting that closer cooperation with the bloc could bring economic benefits to Uzbekistan and contribute to regional development.
Peskov also mentioned that Moscow had not yet received a response from Armenia regarding Russia's planned temporary restrictions on imports of certain Armenian agricultural products. Russia's agricultural watchdog announced that it would temporarily restrict imports of several Armenian fruits and vegetables, citing repeated phytosanitary violations. Peskov added that no separate meeting was scheduled between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan during the EAEU summit, although informal contacts could occur on the sidelines.