The Kremlin has stated that Russia’s national interests take precedence over oil prices in determining its policies, including its approach to the conflict in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the comments on Tuesday in response to remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin might be more willing to resolve the conflict in Ukraine following the recent decline in oil prices.
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“Oil prices cannot be a factor that can influence Russia’s attitude towards its national interests,” Peskov said. “Russia’s national interests are above all else, above any oil prices.”
Peskov acknowledged the importance of oil prices to Russia’s budget and economy, stating that Russia is working with OPEC+ to maintain prices at an optimal level.
“Of course, the international oil price is a very important factor for budget formation in our country and for the Russian economy as a whole,” Peskov said. “It remains relevant, and here, of course, Russia, as you know, has been working in the OPEC+ format for a long time to maintain prices at an optimal level. Excessively high prices and very low prices, of course, adversely affect the global economy as a whole, so this work continues here.”
When asked about efforts to find a settlement to end the Ukraine war, Peskov said that discussions were ongoing with the United States.
