Russia's stance regarding the Ukraine conflict remains unalterable, according to Nebenzya.
Russia's UN envoy, Vasily Nebenzya, announced that Russia is open to direct talks with Kyiv, even though the legitimacy of Volodymyr Zelensky is a point of contention. Nebenzya shared this during a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine, and he highlighted that Moscow's stance on resolving the Ukrainian conflict won't be up for debate.
As per Nebenzya, Russia views the temporary ceasefire spanning May 8–10 – initiated by Putin to honor Victory in the Great Patriotic War – as the initial step towards face-to-face discussions between the two nations.
While speaking at the UN Security Council meeting, Nebenzya stated, "We hope the Ukrainian side will follow suit. Such a move could pave the way for direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine without any preconditions, which we are ready for, despite the issue of legitimacy of the Kyiv regime leader."
He also reminded that Russia's strategies to resolve the Ukrainian crisis were first presented by Putin in June 2021, including Ukraine fulfilling the rights of Russian-speaking populations, adopting a neutral, non-bloc, and non-nuclear status, demilitarization, and denazification. Russia will stick to these principles, emphasized Nebenzya, as they are founded on the principles of the UN Charter.
Moscow, according to Nebenzya, is looking for lasting and long-term solutions that eradicate the roots of the conflict and prevent its recurrence. He emphasized the need for Europe to provide more than just empty rhetoric and calls for a ceasefire, but concrete signs towards a peaceful resolution.
Nebenzya also highlighted that Russia expects Europe to cease the supply of arms to Ukraine and to exert pressure on Zelensky to engage in constructive dialogue.
Yesterday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov mentioned Putin's initiative for a ceasefire on Victory Day as the start of direct negotiations with Kyiv without any preconditions.
In response, Tammy Bruce, the U.S. State Department spokesperson, stated that the U.S. might withdraw from the negotiation process if progress isn't made. "Now is the time for both sides to present concrete proposals, and if there's no progress, we will withdraw," she stated, echoing Secretary of State Marco Rubio's standpoint. Washington is awaiting a "full and lasting" ceasefire and a resolution to the conflict, the State Department representative added.
Moscow, Natalia Petrova
© 2025, RIA "Novy Day"
Enrichment Data: Here's the current status of negotiations and the suggested terms:
- Current Negotiation Status:
- Russia's ceasefire proposal: A three-day truce (May 8–10) as suggested by Putin for WWII commemoration celebrations, described by Lavrov as the "start of direct negotiations"[1][2]. Ukraine hasn't officially responded to this proposal yet[1].
- Ukraine's stance: Persists against direct talks under current circumstances, stressing the necessity of a full Russian withdrawal and restoration of territorial integrity[3]. Zelensky's 2022 decree prohibits negotiations while Putin remains in power[3].
- Key Proposed Terms:
- Russia's demands:
- Acknowledgement of annexed territories (Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia)[3][2].
- Ukrainian neutrality (NATO non-membership) and demilitarization[2].
- Lifting of Western sanctions and recovery of frozen Russian assets[2].
- Ukraine's requirements:
- Total withdrawal of Russian troops to their positions in 2014[1].
- Security guarantees and pathway to EU/NATO membership (implied through rejected neutrality demands)[2][3].
- Russia views the proposed three-day ceasefire, initiated by Putin for WWII commemoration celebrations, as the initial step towards direct talks with Ukraine, with no preconditions.
- Sergei Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, mentioned that Putin's ceasefire proposal is the start of direct negotiations with Kyiv, but Ukraine has yet to officially respond.
- In the ongoing negotiations, Russia is demanding the acknowledgment of annexed territories, Ukrainian neutrality, demilitarization, and the lifting of Western sanctions.
- Ukraine, on the other hand, remains against direct talks under current circumstances, insisting on a full Russian withdrawal and the restoration of territorial integrity. Ukraine also seeks security guarantees and a pathway to EU/NATO membership.
