Moscow is waiting for signals from Washington for the resumption of talks to resolve the conflict in Ukraine and is prepared for contacts on an equal footing and with due consideration of Russian interests, according to Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s permanent representative to the UN, in an interview with RIA Novosti. He stated, “We are open to contacts, but on an equal footing and with due consideration of Russian interests. We are waiting for corresponding signals from the American side.”
Nebenzia added that “it’s a tango that always requires two” implying that much depends on the position of the US administration under President Donald Trump. Trump had told the New York Post earlier in the day that he had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who wants “no more people to be killed.” Trump also promised to provide security guarantees to Ukraine in exchange for access to its rare earth and gas in the framework of a possible peace agreement. The Kremlin did not confirm or deny these reports.
During his presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly expressed his intention to resolve the conflict. After taking office, he threatened Russia with sanctions and tariffs if it rejects an agreement with Ukraine. Trump also claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also wants peace. However, Trump has yet to provide details of his plan to resolve the conflict.
Putin had previously proposed a ceasefire in exchange for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donbas, the regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, the recognition of these regions and the Crimean Peninsula as part of Russia, Ukraine’s renunciation of a NATO membership and the lifting of international sanctions. Zelensky referred to this initiative as an ultimatum.
Ukraine has so far insisted on the implementation of a so-called “peace formula” that involves the withdrawal of Russian troops from the Crimean Peninsula, the Donbas, the regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson and the recognition of the results of the referendums in these regions. Kiev and the Western countries do not recognize the results, considering the process an annexation.
Later, Zelensky acknowledged that Ukraine does not have sufficient forces to retake the lost territories. He suggested that a peaceful resolution of the conflict is possible if the NATO provides security guarantees, Ukraine joins the alliance in part and arms supplies continue. The Ukrainian leader also expressed optimism that the lost territories could be returned after the end of hostilities through diplomatic means. He referred to the Ukrainian operation in the Kursk region as a “strong trump card” in potential negotiations.