US threatens to exit peace talks over Russia's continued aggression
Each side will bear responsibility for the consequences if it refuses to achieve peace (Photo: Getty Images)
The US will consider abandoning peace negotiation efforts if Russia makes the wrong decision and continues the war, states John Kelly, acting Deputy Permanent Representative of the US to the UN.
He noted that if such an outcome occurs, America will recognize Russia's refusal to cooperate in achieving a resolution.
Kelly said that if Russia made the wrong decision to continue the catastrophic war, the United States would have to consider abandoning their negotiation efforts to end the conflict. She clarified that in doing so, they would not abandon their principles or their friends, but would rather acknowledge Russia’s refusal to work with them to achieve the desired outcome.
The US representative emphasized that America would support the peace process if Russia and Ukraine were genuinely interested in peace. Specifically, the US will cooperate with both countries, as well as with the EU and the UN. This cooperation aims to achieve peace, starting with a ceasefire.
He said that they would insist that peace talks be conducted in good faith by both sides.
At the same time, Kelly reminded us that former US President Donald Trump made it clear that Washington is interested in cooperating with Russia, particularly regarding the peace initiative.
He noted that the deal currently being proposed was the best possible outcome for Russia and that President Putin had to make the agreement.
In summary, the US representative called on both Russia and Ukraine to make the difficult, historic decision to strive for peace.
Kelly added that if one side proved unable or unwilling to do so, it would bear responsibility for the consequences.
New round of negotiations
Recently, Russia proposed holding a second round of peace talks on Monday, June 2, with Istanbul, as in May, set as the meeting place. It was announced that Russia would present its “memorandum” on peace at this meeting, although Ukraine has already submitted its version of the document.
Yesterday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia was doing everything to prolong the war and sabotage the negotiations.
“Russia is dragging out the war and doing everything simply to deceive the countries that are still trying to influence Moscow with words, not pressure. Words don't work with Moscow. Even the so-called memorandum, which they promised and supposedly prepared for more than a week, no one has seen yet,” the president said.
We also reported that yesterday White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed hope on behalf of the US that the Ukrainian delegation will arrive in Istanbul for the second round of talks with Russia.
“It is our hope that Russia and Ukraine will engage in direct talks and negotiations next week in Istanbul, and we believe that meeting is going to take place, and that is a meeting the President encouraged and urged for these two sides to come together and negotiate directly,” the White House representative said.
