Lead
Moscow, May 26. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed Russia’s warning of strikes on defense industry sites in Kiev, President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to Kazakhstan, and the country’s new business ombudsman in his daily briefing on Tuesday, as reported by TASS.
The briefing also touched on the Russian military’s Oreshnik strike on Ukrainian territory and statements by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, according to TASS.
Coverage Comparison
TASS, the Russian state news agency, reported two separate briefings by Peskov. The first, dated May 25, focused on the Oreshnik strike and related topics. The second, dated May 26, centered on the warning of strikes on Kiev’s defense industry and the business ombudsman appointment. Both reports present official Kremlin statements with minimal editorializing, though the May 25 piece includes language describing a Ukrainian strike as a "barbaric terrorist attack."
Key Claims
Warning of Strikes on Kiev
Peskov addressed Russia’s warning that the Russian Armed Forces are beginning systematic strikes on defense industry sites in Kiev. He noted that the Kremlin is not yet aware of Washington’s reaction to this warning, saying: "We do not have any information on that at this point. We have heard some statements from officials in European capitals and EU representatives in Kiev. Our priority here is the warning that we sent."
When asked to clarify whether "systematic strikes" meant daily attacks or attacks at certain intervals, Peskov declined to interpret the Foreign Ministry’s wording, stating: "Systemic does not imply any specific frequency. It doesn’t mean regular. In fact, the Foreign Ministry laid it all out clearly in its statement."
President’s Schedule
Putin is preparing for a state visit to Kazakhstan, set to begin on May 27, according to Peskov. During the visit, the Russian leader will participate in events related to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
New Business Ombudsman
Alexander Shokhin will become Russia’s new business ombudsman, while retaining his position as president of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP). Peskov also indicated that the institution of business ombudsman will change, with the role no longer being a government post. "The institution of business ombudsman will still be there, but in another form. It won’t be a government post. It will be more of a public position," he said.
Oreshnik Strike and Starobelsk Attack
In the May 25 briefing, Peskov noted that the Russian military’s Oreshnik strike on Ukrainian territory was a main topic. The Russian Defense Ministry has already provided detailed information on the strike, and Peskov referred to those remarks.
Regarding the Ukrainian military’s strike on a college in Starobelsk, Peskov said the Kremlin has not heard official statements from the West condemning the attack: "As for the coverage of this tragedy, we have not heard any official statements condemning Kiev. We have not seen any actions that could be interpreted as condemnation of this barbaric terrorist attack on young people."
Peskov also noted that several Western media outlets declined to travel to Starobelsk to see the aftermath of the strike, saying: "We have taken note that a number of Western media outlets decided not to go there under various pretexts." He added that this refusal undermines their claims of objectivity: "This casts a bad light on these media outlets; it doesn’t add credibility to the information they’re presenting. And, of course, it means they can’t say they’re objective media in their coverage of what’s happening around Ukraine."
Armenia and Other Remarks
Peskov took note of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s statement that Armenia will not engage in anti-Russian rhetoric. The Kremlin also emphasized that Russia remains a reliable supplier of energy resources, particularly for its partners.
Regarding the alleged detention of Metropolitan Hilarion in Karlovy Vary, Peskov said the Kremlin has no information. Preparations for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) are ongoing, and Putin has already sent greetings to its guests and organizers, according to TASS.
Perspectives
- Kremlin: The Russian government, through Peskov, frames its actions as responses to Ukrainian strikes and Western media bias, while presenting its own warnings and military operations as necessary measures.
- Western media and officials (as characterized by Peskov): Peskov claims that Western media outlets avoided covering the Starobelsk aftermath and that European officials have made statements, but he notes no official condemnation from the West. This viewpoint is presented indirectly through Peskov’s remarks, not from direct sources.