Moscow/Kyiv – In a surprising diplomatic statement, Russia has affirmed that Ukraine will “of course” take part in any future peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing war. The announcement comes amid increasing international pressure to find a negotiated settlement to the conflict that has raged since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Russia’s Statement and Its Implications
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov made the statement in response to recent discussions about potential negotiations mediated by third-party nations. “Ukraine must be involved in any negotiations. That is obvious,” Peskov told Russian media. However, he added that any peace talks would need to take into account Russia’s interests, suggesting that Moscow remains firm on its territorial claims over occupied regions in eastern and southern Ukraine.
The remarks follow reports that global diplomatic efforts to bring the two sides to the negotiating table have intensified, with countries such as China, Turkey, and Switzerland proposing mediation roles.
Ukraine’s Response
Ukrainian officials, however, remain cautious about Russia’s intentions. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly insisted that any peace talks must be based on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a recent address, he emphasized that Kyiv would not accept any deal that legitimizes Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian land.
“Ukraine is ready for peace, but it must be a just peace—one that respects international law and restores our territorial integrity,” said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
International Reactions
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from global leaders. The United Nations welcomed the acknowledgment of Ukraine’s role in peace talks but stressed that all parties must approach negotiations in good faith. Meanwhile, the United States and European Union remain skeptical, given Russia’s past reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Washington has reiterated its stance that peace must be dictated by Ukraine’s sovereignty, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating, “Negotiations cannot be an excuse for Russia to consolidate its illegal territorial gains.”
Potential Road to Peace
With the war now in its third year, the humanitarian toll continues to grow. Millions of Ukrainians remain displaced, and cities across the country are grappling with the destruction caused by ongoing Russian missile strikes. As international leaders push for a diplomatic resolution, the path to peace remains uncertain.
For now, Ukraine and its allies continue to prioritize military and economic resilience, while Russia asserts its readiness for talks—but on its own terms. Whether these statements translate into genuine progress remains to be seen, as both sides brace for further developments on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.
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