Russia was delaying its response to peace plan until 2026, but had to speed up - Source
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Russia signaled that its response to the ideas outlined in the Ukrainian-American draft framework peace agreement would come only after the New Year, according to a source close to the negotiation process.
Due to Ukraine’s diplomatic activity, Russia is already being forced to send certain signals through the media, including claims of an alleged "readiness for a ceasefire" in order to hold a referendum in Ukraine.
As the source explained, Russia continues to try to feign interest in peace negotiations, primarily to avoid accusations from the United States of sabotaging the talks. In reality, however, the aggressor country intends to continue the war.
"We don’t want to let the Russians drag out the process. They are interested in prolonging the war and continuing attacks on Ukraine. We have no interest in delays, so we work with Trump’s team literally every day. Many things are already ready; for some issues, the presidents still need to discuss. On other matters, we are acting as actively as possible so that the Russians have no political opportunity to stall the process," the source told RBC-Ukraine.
Statements from Russia on the negotiations
On Thursday, December 25, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said there was "slow progress" in the negotiation process with the US.
On Friday, December 26, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that the US and Russia had "come closer to a solution" to end the war in Ukraine. At the same time, he claimed that the peace plan published by Volodymyr Zelenskyy "radically differs" from the one proposed by the US.
The aggressor country is demanding changes to the latest US peace plan for ending the war in Ukraine. In particular, Russia wants greater restrictions on the Ukrainian army, as well as resolutions on sanctions and its frozen assets.
