Russia Seeks Lasting Ukraine Peace Deal, Rejects Quick U.S.-Backed Ceasefire

Russia has stated that it prefers a long-term peace agreement in Ukraine that addresses what it considers the root causes of the conflict, rather than a temporary U.S.-brokered ceasefire that could lead to renewed hostilities.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov maintained Moscow’s position, saying:

"We can clearly see the American desire for a quick ceasefire, but without a lasting resolution, this would only lead to a resurgence of conflict with even more serious consequences—including for Russian-American relations."

Ryabkov italicized that any agreement must include provisions that address the underlying issues of the war.

Russia-U.S. Talks in Riyadh

His remarks come after recent discussions between Russia and the U.S. in Riyadh, where Moscow expressed willingness to work toward restoring bilateral ties and preparing for future Ukraine peace talks.

Ryabkov also reiterated Russia’s long-standing claim about the mistreatment of Russian-speaking populations in Ukraine, an allegation that Kyiv has repeatedly denied.

US president Donald Trump slammed Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy last week as an unpopular “dictator” who needed to cut a quick peace deal or lose his country, while the Ukrainian leader said the US president was living in a “disinformation bubble”.

Meanwhile, Pavlo Klimkin, Ukraine’s minister for foreign affairs from 2014 to 2019, said Mr Zelenskiy needed to try to keep up strategic ties with Washington while enhancing relations with Europe, as well as reaching out to countries like China and India.

https://youtu.be/CNLUpZDIio4