Is Russia Open to Talks with Ukraine While Pursuing Its Goals?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Russia is ready to negotiate but insists on its objectives.
- Peace talks are complex and require significant effort.
- The U.S. is actively involved, threatening tariffs on Russia.
- Ukraine is seeking a ceasefire through renewed discussions.
- Tensions remain high amidst ongoing military actions.
Moscow, July 21 (NationPress) Russia is prepared to expedite negotiations regarding Ukraine, but the primary aim remains the realization of its objectives, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
President Vladimir Putin has consistently expressed his intention to resolve the Ukrainian crisis peacefully at the earliest opportunity, Peskov stated during an interview with state television on Sunday. “This is a lengthy endeavor that demands significant effort, and it is quite challenging,” he noted.
“Our objectives are straightforward; they are clear and remain unchanged,” he remarked.
Russian authorities have reiterated that any potential peace agreement depends on Ukraine withdrawing its military from four regions, abandoning its NATO aspirations, and halting NATO troop deployments.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned on Saturday that his administration has suggested initiating a new phase of peace discussions with Moscow this week. “We must do everything possible to secure a ceasefire,” he stated in his evening address to the nation.
On July 14, U.S. President Donald Trump, during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office, declared that the United States would provide arms to Ukraine through NATO, warning of “severe tariffs” aimed at Russia if a ceasefire agreement is not achieved within 50 days, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Russia dismissed Trump's 50-day ultimatum, labeling the threat as unacceptable.
In response, U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker indicated that Trump’s remarks about supplying arms to Ukraine and introducing further anti-Russian sanctions could provoke a reaction from Russia, including from President Vladimir Putin.
Trump also mentioned he would impose “very severe tariffs” on Russia.
Expressing his frustration towards President Putin, he remarked, “My conversations with him are quite pleasant, and yet, missiles are launched at night.”
“I believed we had reached an agreement about four times between Russia and Ukraine, but it just continued indefinitely,” said Trump, who attempted to negotiate a deal.