Spokesperson: Putin to convene security council meeting

The Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said that President Vladimir Putin will hold an operational meeting with the permanent members of Russia’s Security Council on April 17.

Peskov said Putin is working from his Novo-Ogaryovo residence and will chair the meeting via video conference, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

He added that the president would “traditionally” set out the agenda himself.

Separately, Peskov noted that Russia remains ready to accept enriched uranium from Iran, but noted that the proposal is not currently being pursued by the United States.

“At this stage, as we understand it, this proposal is not on the negotiating table. The Russian side is open to it, as President Putin has said repeatedly. But at present, it is not something the United States is interested in,” he stressed.

Peskov also said Moscow sees what it described as increasing European involvement in the conflict surrounding Ukraine, referring to statements issued by the Russian Defence Ministry.

He declined to comment in detail on possible Russian responses to European facilities involved in drone production for Ukraine, but reiterated Moscow’s view that such activity contributes to escalation.

On the Middle East, Peskov emphasised that Russia welcomes the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, expressing hope it could lead to longer-term arrangements.

“We certainly welcome the ceasefire decision. We hope that over these days, as envisaged, it will be possible to reach agreements that prevent a recurrence of armed clashes in the future,” he said. He added that the duration of the truce was difficult to predict.

By Aghakazim Guliyev