Ukraine ‘peace plan’ should take into account entry of 4 'new regions' into Russia: Kremlin

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Kremlin spokesman said on Wednesday that no “peace plan” can exist for Ukraine if it does not take into account “the entry of four new regions into the Russian Federation.”

“So far, there is no ‘peace plan’ for Ukraine, let's start with this. … There can be no ‘peace plan’ for Ukraine that does not take into account today's realities - with Russian territory, with the entry of four new regions into Russia … No plan that does not take into account these realities can claim to be peaceful," Dmitry Peskov said during a press briefing.

Four Ukrainian regions, namely Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, were attached to Moscow through presidential decree in early October after Moscow-backed referendums were held, which have been widely rejected by the international community.

Noting that President Vladimir Putin’s trip to the Pskov region was canceled due to bad flying conditions, Peskov said Putin is preparing for contacts with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

"I can confirm that such contacts are being prepared and we will tell you in a timely manner when and how they will be carried out," Peskov said.

Peskov also commented on recent escalation of tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, noting that Moscow is closely following the situation and supports Belgrade’s actions on the issue.

"We have close allied, very close historical, spiritual, and other relations with Serbia. Of course, Russia is very closely following what is happening (in Kosovo), how the rights of the Serbs are being ensured. And, of course, we support Belgrade in those actions that are being undertaken," Peskov said.

Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia have escalated since the detention of former Serbian police officer Dejan Pantic on suspicion of attacking election officials.