Moscow, November 3, 2026 – The Europe Today: The Kremlin has described Russia’s humanitarian operation in Alyoshki in the Kherson Region as successful, while indicating that there are currently no specific plans for further humanitarian pauses along the front line.
Addressing a media briefing on Monday, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow highly appreciated the coordination achieved among all parties involved in preparations for the humanitarian operation, particularly through the respective ombudsmen of Russia and Ukraine.
He acknowledged the efforts of Russian Ombudswoman Yana Lantratova and expressed appreciation for coordination with her Ukrainian counterpart.
Peskov also thanked the United States for its assistance in facilitating the operation, particularly acknowledging US First Lady Melania Trump.
Regarding the possibility of similar humanitarian arrangements in other areas, he said each situation would be considered individually, with the safety, interests and humanitarian needs of civilians remaining the foremost priorities.
However, Peskov suggested that Ukrainian forces might have used the humanitarian pause in Alyoshki to regroup, adding that questions concerning military developments should be directed to Russia’s Defence Ministry.
Russian Gas Transit Through Ukraine
Commenting on the prospects of resuming Russian natural gas transit to Europe through Ukraine, Peskov said it was premature to discuss such possibilities, given the current situation on the ground.
He stressed that any potential resumption would depend on the willingness of buyers, the readiness of sellers and their capacity to supply gas.
The Kremlin spokesman also noted that the global gas market extends far beyond Europe, although the European market remains a premium destination. He pointed out that the main centres of global economic growth are increasingly located in the Global South.
Putin’s Participation in APEC Summit
On Russian President Vladimir Putin’s planned participation in the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, Peskov said the presidential programme was still being finalised in coordination with the Chinese organisers.
He confirmed that preparations were underway for a meeting between Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, expressing Moscow’s anticipation of the high-level talks.
According to Peskov, the discussions would include an assessment of bilateral relations and an exchange of views on current international developments, reflecting the extensive cooperation and coordination between Moscow and Beijing.
Regarding the possibility of a trilateral meeting involving Putin, Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, Peskov said no specific details had been finalised.
He added that the Kremlin expected to receive further information soon about the possibility of bilateral talks between Putin and Trump on the sidelines of the summit.
Peskov nevertheless expressed confidence that if both leaders attended the event in Shenzhen, they would have an opportunity to communicate, either through a formal face-to-face meeting or informal discussions on the sidelines.
Russia’s Possible Participation in Organization of Turkic States
Addressing reports about Russia’s possible participation in the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Peskov said Moscow had not received an official invitation to join the organisation.
However, he indicated that the issue could be discussed during upcoming contacts, including with Kazakhstan.
He argued that Russia’s participation in the organisation’s activities would be natural and appropriate, considering that several Russian regions are home to peoples with historical Turkic origins.
Kremlin Warns of Increasing Cyberattacks
Peskov also highlighted the growing threat of cyberattacks against Russian government institutions, revealing that the official website of President Putin is targeted numerous times every day.
He said other government agencies face similar threats, adding that technological developments, particularly the growing use of artificial intelligence, are contributing to the increasing risks of cyberattacks.
He emphasised the need for government institutions to strengthen cybersecurity measures and improve the protection of their digital infrastructure.
US Midterm Elections and International Relations
Commenting on the upcoming US midterm elections, Peskov said the Kremlin was following developments closely, as was the international community, but described the elections as an internal matter for the United States.
He added that President Donald Trump would remain in office until the end of his presidential term and continue pursuing his foreign policy agenda.
Responding to questions about international media coverage of Putin’s diplomatic engagements, Peskov said he did not consider such reporting an acknowledgment either of the success or failure of efforts to isolate Russia.
Separately, Peskov said Putin was scheduled to meet with Dagestan Head Fyodor Shchukin at the Kremlin on Monday.
The briefing covered a range of diplomatic, humanitarian, economic and security issues, reflecting Moscow’s positions on ongoing international developments and its engagement with key global partners.
