The Kremlin dismissed the notion of conducting peace negotiations excluding Russia as “ridiculous” following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s proposal for a spring summit in Switzerland to discuss his peace initiative with Kyiv’s allies.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov conveyed to reporters the Kremlin’s perspective, labeling such a format as peculiar, given that certain peace endeavors are being pursued without Russia’s involvement, deeming it frivolous and even laughable.
However, Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, suggested a potential alternative approach, indicating that the blueprint devised at the Switzerland summit could be presented to Russia at a subsequent juncture.
Yermak outlined a scenario wherein representatives of the Russian Federation could be jointly invited, offering them an opportunity to review the plan, provided the aggressor country’s delegation exhibits genuine willingness to terminate the conflict and seek a just resolution.
Despite two years of conflict, Russia presently controls nearly a fifth of Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory.
Moscow has iterated its readiness for dialogue, albeit emphasizing the necessity for these discussions to acknowledge the “new realities on the ground.” Ukraine, on the other hand, steadfastly asserts its demand for the restoration of territorial integrity and the complete withdrawal of Russian forces.
