MOSCOW : Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia is closely monitoring remarks made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who revealed that she had discussed with U.S. President Donald Trump ways to intensify joint economic pressure on Moscow.

Peskov argued that the sanctions have backfired on Europe itself. “The 18 packages of EU sanctions have harmed the economies of European countries themselves,” he said, reiterating that Russia will not shift its stance under outside pressure.

The Kremlin spokesman also called for reform of the UN Security Council, but noted that consensus among permanent members remains “not possible due to existing disagreements.”

On Ukraine, Peskov acknowledged a “temporary pause” in preparations for new prisoner exchanges with Kyiv but stressed this “does not mean they are impossible to continue in the future.”

Despite strained ties, he confirmed that Moscow and Washington maintain communication “through various channels,” underscoring that bilateral contact has not been entirely severed.