Russia has signaled its readiness to negotiate with Ukraine, but it has made it clear that for talks to take place, recognition of Moscow’s territorial claims over five Ukrainian regions, including Crimea, is “imperative” for resolving the conflict.
Since its military campaign began in February 2022, Russia has seized significant parts of four Ukrainian regions, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.
Ukraine has consistently condemned these annexations as an illegal act and stated it will never recognize them.
Meanwhile, European officials have warned that conceding to Moscow’s demands could create a dangerous precedent and provoke future aggression.
“The Russian side has repeatedly confirmed its readiness, as confirmed by the president, to begin negotiations with Ukraine without any preconditions,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a statement to state media on Monday.
However, when asked about the possibility of preconditions for negotiations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated: “International recognition of Russia’s ownership of Crimea, Sevastopol, the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Lugansk People’s Republic, the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions is imperative.”
Lavrov’s comments were made during an interview with Brazilian newspaper ‘O Globo’, which was later published by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump remarked earlier that he believed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky might be prepared to concede Crimea in a ceasefire deal, as negotiations towards a truce entered what Washington referred to as a “critical” week.
Putin Declares 72-Hour Ceasefire for May
In related developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a three-day full ceasefire in the ongoing war with Ukraine, planned for May to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II.
According to the Kremlin, the 72-hour ceasefire will begin on May 8 and end on May 10, with a call for Ukraine to participate as well. “All hostilities will be suspended during this period,” the Kremlin’s statement read. “Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example.”
The Kremlin further clarified that if Ukraine violates the ceasefire, Russian forces would respond with an “adequate and effective” measure.
Ukraine, however, responded to Putin’s announcement by calling for an immediate month-long ceasefire.
“If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately. Why wait until May 8th? If the fire can be ceased now and since any date for 30 days – so it is real, not just for a parade,” Ukraine’s Foreign Secretary Andrii Sybiha wrote on social media.
FOR ADVERT AND NEWS PUBLICATION, EMAIL US @ tarakirivoicenewspaper@gmail.com or call or WhatsApp us on 08160439769
