Moscow: Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov announced Monday that Moscow is not ready to engage in peace talks with Ukraine following Kyiv’s recent attack on Russia’s Kursk region. However, he confirmed that Russia has not withdrawn its previous peace proposals.
Ushakov made these remarks in a video statement broadcast by the SHOT news outlet. “At this stage, given this venture (Kursk), we will not talk,” Ushakov stated, referring to Ukraine’s attack.
The Ukrainian incursion, which began on August 6, marked the largest breach of Russian territory by a foreign power since World War Two. Thousands of Ukrainian troops reportedly crossed Russia’s western border, resulting in a significant blow to Russian military prestige.
Despite the escalation, Ushakov clarified that the peace proposals made by Russian President Vladimir Putin in June remain on the table. “No, they (the proposals) have not been canceled. But at this point, of course, it would be completely inappropriate to enter into any kind of negotiation process,” Ushakov stated.
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When asked how long Russia would maintain its position on pausing talks with Kyiv, Ushakov said the timeline is uncertain. “I don’t know. It will depend on the situation, including on the battlefield.”
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In June, President Putin outlined conditions for ending the war, which included Ukraine abandoning its NATO ambitions and conceding four provinces that Russia has claimed. Kyiv swiftly rejected these demands, considering them akin to surrender.
