Russia claims only one potential “scenario” for Ukraine talks

Vassily Nebenzia speaking at the United Nations Security Council on February 24, 2023. Photo: Getty

Nebenzia said Russia is ready to discuss a peaceful solution to achieve its stated goals for the military operation in Ukraine. The diplomat made the remarks during a United Nations Security Council meeting marking a year of ongoing hostilities.

“Russia is ready to negotiate for the peaceful realization of the objectives of the special military operation and will not even consider any other scenario,” Nebenzia said.

According to Moscow, the official goals of the special operation include the “demilitarization” and “denuclearization” of Ukraine, as well as the protection of the self-proclaimed Donbass republics of Donetsk and Lugansk from fierce attack. Kiev’s revolt, which has lasted since 2014. Russia annexed Donetsk, Lugansk, along with Kherson and Zaporizhia, following referendums last September.

Nebenzia asserted that Russia never hatched any plan to destroy Ukraine as an independent country. Despite repeated statements by the West collective, Kiev’s cessation of hostilities will only give Ukraine a chance to return to a “normal” country.

Mr. Nebenzia warned that the West’s continued support of Kiev, especially the US, only increased the conflict and further damaged their relationship with Russia. He noted that tightening ties with Moscow primarily serves Washington’s own best interests, adding that Russia no longer believes anything the West says.

“So far, the West has only made the situation worse by continuing to supply Kiev with weapons and support it on the battlefield. We have no choice but to eliminate ties. Threats to Russia are emerging from Ukrainian territory through military means,” the diplomat said.

At the same time, Mr. Nebenzia praised Beijing’s efforts to end the ongoing conflict, commenting on the 12-point roadmap announced by China earlier in the day. The roadmap calls on all parties to the conflict to “maintain reason and restraint”, and calls on the international community to encourage all efforts to end hostilities.

“We welcome sincere efforts on the road to peace, such as China’s proposal,” Nebenzia said.