Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman claims Russia ready to discuss new ideas for ending war
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has claimed that Russia is ready for a political-diplomatic settlement of "the situation in Ukraine" and for discussing new ideas towards this end.
Source: Russian outlet Interfax, citing Zakharova's comments
Quote: "For our part, we confirm our readiness for a political-diplomatic settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, which we have never renounced… We again confirm our readiness for possible discussions, proposals, ideas, which we will be ready to consider. No one here has ever refused this."
Details: Zakharova was asked to comment on a statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the failure of the Russian approach to ending the war in Ukraine proposed in Anchorage, and was asked about new ideas.
The spokeswoman replied that Russia is ready for a settlement based on mutual understanding, including that reached in Alaska. However, Zakharova also noted that before discussing "something new", clarity needs to be established regarding the ideas already on the table.
Background:
- During a meeting between Russian and US representatives in the Philippines on 23 July, Rubio discussed with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov the need to end the war against Ukraine.
- Following this, Rubio said that the approach proposed by the Russians last year in Anchorage had failed, as it was unacceptable to Ukraine. He also noted that "new ideas" are needed to achieve peace in the Russia-Ukraine war in order to break the deadlock in negotiations.
- Meanwhile, according to Russia's Foreign Ministry, Lavrov briefed Rubio on the "real" state of affairs in Russia's war against Ukraine and stated that further arms deliveries to Ukraine were "unacceptable". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there has been no new progress in the dialogue on ending the war in Ukraine.
- In June, Rubio said no agreements on Ukraine had been reached during last year's summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian ruler Vladimir Putin.
- This followed accusations from Lavrov and Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov that the US had betrayed the so-called "spirit of Anchorage".
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