Is Russia Working Towards Sustainable Peace in Ukraine?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Russia is focused on achieving sustainable peace in Ukraine rather than temporary ceasefires.
- Security for the Russian Federation and its people is a primary objective according to Lavrov.
- Kremlin emphasizes the importance of expert-level discussions for future negotiations.
- Ukraine is exploring proposals for energy truces with Russia.
- Communication between Russia and the US is possible but requires groundwork at the expert level.
Moscow, Dec 11 (NationPress) The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, asserted on Thursday that Moscow will persist in pursuing its objectives in Ukraine irrespective of any forecasts concerning the war's conclusion. He remarked that President Vladimir Putin has distinctly and unequivocally defined Moscow's aims, according to local media reports.
"Our specific targets have been laid out clearly and unambiguously by our President and were thoroughly discussed in Anchorage, where agreements were made on how to advance towards achieving these objectives not through a ceasefire, nor a temporary pause, but through a sustainable peace. We will continue on this course, regardless of the deadlines set by others," Lavrov was quoted by Tass during an Embassy roundtable focusing on Ukraine's resolution.
"The crux of the matter is security for the Russian Federation and the protection of the Russian populace, who the Kyiv administration has labeled as terrorists and stripped of their rights. This is our primary objective," he added.
On the previous day, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized during a media briefing that Russia is prioritizing lasting and sustainable peace in Ukraine over a mere ceasefire.
In response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's comments about Ukraine's willingness to initiate an "energy truce," Peskov remarked: "We are focused on peace, not just a ceasefire."
"Achieving a sustainable, durable, and lasting peace through the signing of relevant documents is our utmost priority," he added.
Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine is devising a proposal for an energy truce with Russia, anticipating that Russia will adhere to the agreement.
Earlier this month, Peskov had dismissed assertions that President Putin rejected the United States peace plan for Ukraine, labeling them as "incorrect."
"No, it would not be accurate to say that," Tass quoted Peskov in response to inquiries about whether reports of Putin declining the US peace initiative could be considered valid.
Peskov also indicated that a phone conversation between Putin and US President Donald Trump could be organized at any time but stressed that advancements need to occur at the expert level.
"A phone call can happen at any moment, and we are capable of arranging it swiftly," he informed reporters, referencing earlier comments from Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov regarding ongoing expert-level discussions.
"It is essential to achieve certain results at the expert level, which will then provide the foundation for high-level discussions," he concluded.
Peskov also expressed appreciation to Trump and his administration for their role in fostering a peaceful resolution regarding the situation in Ukraine.