After Russia’s president declared he was open to negotiations, Russia’s foreign minister seems to have ended any possibility of peace talks with Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, stated Sunday that the Kremlin is “ready to negotiate…about acceptable solutions” while also blaming Kyiv over the insufficient diplomatic progress.
A Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s adviser quickly replied that Putin “needs” to “return to reality”. He added: “Russia does not want negotiations, but tries avoid responsibility.”
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Ukraine appeared to be in a more relaxed position Monday with Dmytro Kuleba, the foreign minister, stating that while Ukraine hopes to win the war next January, diplomacy is still an important part of its strategy.
Kuleba suggested that a summit be held before February ends, hosted by the United Nations. However, he stated that Russia should not be invited unless it is facing war crimes prosecution in an international court.
However, Russia’s foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov seemed to end any peace talks plans late Monday night.
According to him, Tass News Agency reported that he knew the enemy well and had made his proposals for demilitarization and denazification in the territories under the [Ukrainian] government, as well as the elimination of security threats from Russia originating there, including the creation of new lands.
“The point is clear: Fulfill them for your own benefit. The Russian army will decide the issue otherwise.
Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, also responded to Mr Kuleba’s words with disapproval. He told state news agency RIA Novosti Russia “never followed other conditions – only ours and common sense.”
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Ten months have passed since Russia invaded Ukraine in a full-scale attack. There are no signs of a truce, and there has been no sign of any serious peace negotiations for months.
Millions of Ukrainians fled Ukraine, and millions are still without electricity because of Russian attacks on critical infrastructure.
However, Ukraine insists that it will not negotiate until all Russian soldiers have left its territory. Russia however insists that it will continue fighting until it achieves their goals.
Mr Putin has said that he believes the military action is “defending our national interests…protect(ing) our citizens” and that any negotiations must be on his terms.
This would be incompatible, Ukraine claims. It would require Ukraine to bow to Russian demands and accept Mr Putin’s annexed of four Ukrainian regions.