11 Apr 2022 12:53

Putin to discuss Ukraine with Austrian chancellor behind closed doors - Peskov

MOSCOW. April 11 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will discuss the Ukraine situation behind closed doors in Moscow on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Peskov said at a press briefing on Monday the meeting will be private, and there will be neither protocol-based videos of the meeting beginning nor a final statement for the press.

Journalists asked Peskov why Nehammer was visiting Russia and why the negotiations would be held in private.

"The conversation will address the situation in Ukraine. Perhaps, you should ask every other question to the Austrian side," Peskov said.

He gave an affirmative answer to the question of whether he implied that Austria insisted on talking privately.

Journalists also asked whether Putin was planning to discuss ruble payments for Russian gas with Nehammer.

"The Ukraine situation will top the agenda. On the other hand, a discussion of gas affairs cannot be ruled out, considering that this is a rather important topic for the Austrian side," Peskov said.