Moscow’s goals same but Ukraine says Russia ‘more realistic’ in peace talks

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking in a televised message on Wednesday, said that Russia’s negotiating position in their talks with Ukraine is becoming increasingly realistic, CNN reported. 

He said, “The meetings are ongoing, as I am told the positions are sounding more realistic”. The Ukrainian president added that wars must end in agreements, hence there would be continued efforts to carry on these talks. However, he also asserted that it’d take time to achieve decisions that would be in Ukraine’s interest. 

Notably, a Ukrainian official previously claimed that the war would be over by mid-May, saying that Russia would have to scramble for resources by then. 

However, despite Ukraine’s positivity, those in the Russian administration do not seem sure of a quick resolution. Vladimir Medinsky, the head of the Russian negotiating delegation, has already said that the nation’s objectives have not changed from the time the negotiations began. 

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He said, “The goal of Russia in these negotiations is exactly the same as the goal of Russia which was set at the very beginning of the special military operation”, and added, “We need a peaceful, free, independent Ukraine, neutral — not a member of military blocs, not a member of NATO. A country that is our friend, a neighbor, with whom we are developing relations together, building our future, and which is not a base for military and economic attacks against our country”, RIA Novosti the Russian state-run media reported. 

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The presidential aide noted that talks with Ukraine were ongoing but they were “slow” and “difficult”. 

Medinsky said, “Of course, we would like it all to happen much faster, this is such a sincere desire of the Russian side. We want to come to peace as soon as possible”. 

Notably, Ukraine has already cooled to the idea of joining NATO. Blocking the country’s membership was one of Russia’s sticking points when troops were gathering along Ukraine’s borders.