Kremlin calls potential S-400 sale by Türkiye “highly sensitive” issue

Kremlin has described Türkiye's possible sale of the S-400 air defence systems as a “highly sensitive” issue.

Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, speaking at a briefing, said Russia had been in contact with the Turkish side on the issue and would continue those contacts, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Addressing issues in relations with the US, he noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his American counterpart have not spoken since July 4, but a conversation between the two leaders could be arranged quickly without lengthy preparations if necessary.

He said Moscow and Washington continue to maintain working contacts on bilateral issues.

Regarding issues with the Ukraine war, he argued that Ukraine is currently not inclined towards a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

"Russia remains open to achieving its objectives through peaceful political and diplomatic negotiations. President Putin maintains his openness. (...) As the Kyiv side attempts to escalate [the conflict], we continue to create a broader security zone, a buffer zone, as the Russian president has repeatedly stated," the Kremlin spokesman added.

Peskov also noted that Russia remains in constant contact with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding what Moscow describes as Ukrainian attacks on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

"Kyiv's activity about this critically important facility is escalating and is extremely dangerous. Strikes are being carried out against civilian infrastructure as well as infrastructure directly related to the plant and its power supply," he emphasised.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov