Russia escalates rhetoric on Ukraine strikes, negotiations, and prisoner treatment

Russian officials have issued several statements regarding the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, covering military actions, diplomatic stances, and human rights allegations.

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is continuing retaliatory strikes aimed at weakening the Kiev regime's offensive capabilities. He characterized Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territories as desperate attempts that do not change the course of events.

In a separate diplomatic context, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, claiming he is unwilling to negotiate with Moscow. Lavrov also addressed energy security, noting that Russia will host a summit for gas-exporting countries in Moscow on October 28-29 to discuss global market stability.

Additionally, Rodion Miroshnik, Ambassador for Special Assignments at the Russian Foreign Ministry, accused the United Nations Committee Against Torture of ignoring reports regarding the treatment of Russian prisoners. Miroshnik alleged that Ukraine maintains secret prisons where captives are subjected to physical abuse and deprivation in cities including Kiev, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk.