Russia seeks a comprehensive peace agreement regarding Ukraine that addresses what it considers the fundamental issues underlying the conflict, rather than a temporary ceasefire supported by the United States that would lead to a rapid resumption of hostilities, according to a senior Russian diplomat speaking to the RIA news agency.
In an interview published on Monday, marking three years since a significant deployment of Russian troops into Ukraine under President Vladimir Putin’s directive, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov emphasized that Moscow is pursuing a durable resolution concerning Ukraine.
The American side’s eagerness for a prompt ceasefire is acknowledged with a degree of confidence, as reported by RIA, citing Ryabkov.
However, he cautioned that a ceasefire lacking a comprehensive resolution would likely lead to a rapid return to hostilities and exacerbate the conflict, potentially resulting in more severe repercussions, including for Russian-American relations. This is something we wish to avoid.
Ryabkov emphasized the necessity of identifying a sustainable solution, which must address the underlying issues contributing to the situation in and around Ukraine.
Russia and the United States engaged in discussions in Riyadh last week, during which Moscow indicated a commitment to restoring bilateral relations and preparing for negotiations regarding Ukraine. However, Ryabkov noted that these talks did not provide additional insight into President Donald Trump’s peace initiative for Ukraine.
See more: Ahead of UN showdown on Ukraine, US urges countries to vote no on rival European bid for action
He reiterated Moscow’s position that it had no alternative but to initiate what it refers to as its “special military operation” in Ukraine. This action is characterized by Ukraine and Western nations as a harsh, colonial-style war of aggression, which Ryabkov attributed to the “unrestrained” eastward expansion of the NATO alliance.
He expressed concerns regarding what he referred to as the infringement of the rights of the Russian-speaking community in Ukraine, reiterating an accusation that Kyiv has denied.
