Russia delivers ultimatum to Ukraine at UN for 'peaceful settlement'
Photo: Russia’s permanent representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya (Getty Images)
Russia is prepared to continue the war if Ukraine does not recognize the territories it has seized and agree to Moscow’s demands, according to a statement by Russia’s representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, RIA Novosti reports.
According to him, Russia is prepared to continue fighting if Kyiv does not recognize what Moscow calls the "realities on the ground" and agree to address the "root causes" of the war.
"Without recognizing the realities that have taken shape on the ground, there will be no peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. As long as Kyiv continues to cling to illusions, rejects the choice of millions of people and refuses to address the root causes of the crisis, Russia will consistently pursue the goals of its so-called special military operation by military means," Nebenzya said.
The Russian diplomat also said that contacts between Russia and Western countries over Ukraine have practically ceased.
What Russia is demanding for peace
Nebenzya’s statements essentially repeat Moscow’s position, which it has repeatedly outlined regarding possible negotiations with Ukraine. Russia says it is ready for a diplomatic settlement but insists that any deal must take into account what it calls the new territorial realities.
Moscow also claims that any future agreements must take into account its security interests and the position of the population in the occupied territories.
Ukraine, however, rejects Russia’s demands. Kyiv insists on restoring the country’s territorial integrity and returning to its internationally recognized 1991 borders.
Earlier, on September 1, Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said Russia was ready to return to negotiations if a "reliable peace plan" was developed.
She also stressed that Moscow’s conditions have remained unchanged since the beginning of the war.
