Syria, Iran, Ukraine and UAE: Key foreign policy signals from Kremlin

Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov outlined Moscow’s positions on a range of major foreign policy issues, from developments in the Middle East to ongoing diplomatic efforts, in a series of remarks reported by Russian media.

Following talks between President Vladimir Putin and Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, the Kremlin said the primary focus was on strengthening bilateral trade and economic ties.

Peskov noted that the cooperation potential between Russia and Syria remains extensive and that interest on both sides continues to be strong. The issue of Russia’s military bases in Syria was also discussed, although no specifics were made public. At the same time, he stressed that the question of extraditing former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad was not raised during the negotiations.

Addressing the situation involving Iran, Peskov emphasised that opportunities for dialogue have not been exhausted and warned that the use of force could result in chaos and major destabilisation across the region. The Kremlin, he said, urged all sides to exercise restraint and avoid military actions.

Peskov also spoke about diplomatic contacts taking place in Abu Dhabi. He explained that the exact format of expert-level negotiations would be coordinated right up to the day of the meeting and that the talks could extend beyond a single day if needed. He added that Germany had not put forward any initiative to act as a mediator in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

Turning to relations with the United Arab Emirates, the Kremlin spokesperson described the UAE as Russia’s leading trading partner in the Arab world. He said President Putin was scheduled to hold talks with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on January 29 in the format of a working breakfast. Peskov underlined the high level of trust and constructive personal ties between the two leaders, noting that this atmosphere “allows the most complex issues to be discussed.”

He also commented on a transaction involving Lukoil and the US investment firm Carlyle, stressing that for Moscow it is crucial that the interests of the Russian company are protected, while reaffirming Russia’s unchanged stance on sanctions.

“We consider sanctions illegal and unacceptable — that is the basis of our position. The second point concerns corporate agreements, and in this case we cannot comment on them. For us, the main thing is that the interests of the Russian company are ensured and respected,” Peskov said.

By Tamilla Hasanova