Russia accuses Ukraine of having intentions behind statements about peace talks

In an interview with Channel One, Russian presidential adviser Nikolai Patrushev said on July 28: "In the special military operation in Ukraine, we currently have the advantage. Meanwhile, the West and Ukraine want to focus on restoring their forces; they need to rest. Therefore, all statements related to negotiations are tactically motivated. In fact, if we consider their actions, they are not taking any steps to hold peace talks."

Mr. Patrushev emphasized that previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had declared that he would not participate in any negotiations with Russia.

In a separate statement, Bogdan Bezpalko, a member of the Russian Presidential Council on Interethnic Relations, said that the possibility of starting talks between Russia and Ukraine this year was still possible, but that there was no clear understanding of how and under what conditions they would be held. Bezpalko pointed out that there would be a new president in the United States by the end of the year, and that Ukraine was under increasing pressure in a “war of attrition,” with major military donors such as Germany expected to reduce their support by 2025.

Moscow has repeatedly stated that it is ready for negotiations, but pointed out that Russia's absolute priority is to achieve the goals of the special military operation, adding that the conflict in Ukraine can move towards peace, provided that new realities on the ground are taken into account.

On July 24, a notable signal emerged regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, when Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba made his first official visit to China since the fighting began. During talks lasting more than three hours with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Guangzhou, Mr. Kuleba affirmed Ukraine’s readiness to continue dialogue and negotiations with Russia. However, he also stressed that negotiations must be conducted in a rational and realistic manner, aiming at a just and lasting peace.

Earlier, President Zelensky also expressed the need to end the conflict as soon as possible to minimize further casualties, during a meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State on July 23. These statements show that Ukraine is opening the door to peace negotiations, while emphasizing the importance of ending the conflict.