US Aims to Link Peace Talks to Economic Cooperation: Kremlin

"No, that is not the case. The American side continues to insist on fully linking these two [tracks]," Peskov told reporters when asked whether economic discussions with the US would mean a decoupling from the Ukraine settlement issue.

"Listen, if we are talking about a summit, it must finalize the results of the work. It must put the finishing touches on all the work and bring it to a definitive conclusion," Peskov told reporters, stressing that Russia's position on Ukraine remians consistent and unchanged.

"Everyone is continuing their work, including the American negotiators - the US side - to whom we are very grateful for these sustained efforts," Peskov noted.

"Dmitriev continues his work on the economic track and maintains various contacts," Peskov told reporters, adding that he cannot say for sure now whether he is presently in Geneva.

"Belarus clearly faces an unfriendly environment, with actions deliberately aimed at provoking tensions around Belarus. Our Belarusian friends and allies are taking appropriate measures to ensure their own security, and these efforts are also being coordinated within the framework of the Union State," Peskov told reporters.

"We see a perfectly clear and consistent position from Budapest and Bratislava as they defend their economic interests. In contrast, we see sabotage from the Kiev regime," Peskov said, commenting on the Druzhba oil pipeline situation.