Russia Open to New Ukraine Peace Proposals, but Sets Conditions: Diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

Russia is prepared to consider new proposals aimed at reaching a settlement to the conflict in Ukraine, but any initiative must take into account the “realities on the ground”, a senior Russian diplomat said.

The remarks indicate that Moscow remains open to discussing potential peace efforts while insisting that any agreement must reflect the current situation on the battlefield.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov ‌said in an interview with media outlet News.ru published on Friday that the U.S. demonstrated a readiness for "constructive dialogue" and an "understanding of Russia's position".

"At this stage, it is more important to what extent Washington is able to influence the decisions of the Kyiv regime and its European sponsors, who still dream of a 'strategic defeat' of Russia," he told the outlet.

The Kremlin said on Thursday that it had no information about a possible new visit to Moscow by US presidential envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, who have previously led negotiations with Russia.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last month that Washington remained committed to helping end the war, following a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Manila.

However, Rubio warned that a swift agreement was unlikely, saying the United States was seeking to “find a middle ground”.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow was prepared to consider new ideas from Rubio and continue dialogue with Washington.

"The Russian Federation is ready to listen to any reasonable proposals and ideas that are in line with the goals set by the Russian president and meet the 'realities on the ground'," he said.

After nearly four and a half years of war, Russia controls around one-fifth of Ukraine’s internationally recognised territory. Moscow has repeatedly said it is open to negotiations, but insists that any talks must recognise the “new realities on the ground”.

In the interview, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov also indicated that Moscow wants to maintain dialogue with the U.S. on nuclear weapons.

The New START nuclear treaty expired in February, leaving the world’s two largest nuclear powers without binding limits on their strategic arsenals for the first time in more than half a century.

Moscow has said it will continue observing the treaty’s limits on missiles and warheads as long as Washington does the same.

“We remain open in the future to finding political and diplomatic ways to stabilise this area,” Ryabkov said.





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