Russia ready for Ukraine talks if West acts constructively: Deputy FM — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): Russia is ready for negotiations on Ukraine if Western countries adopt a constructive and mature approach, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin told TASS. “We are always ready for negotiations and open to a negotiated solution,” Galuzin said on Tuesday on the sidelines of the third Kazakhstan-Russia Media Forum. He said Moscow had repeatedly demonstrated its readiness for dialogue, while accusing Ukraine of withdrawing from negotiations and taking an inconsistent approach to the talks. Galuzin said prospects for negotiations could emerge if Western countries supporting Ukraine recognised the need for honest and constructive dialogue aimed at addressing what Moscow considers the root causes of the conflict. He added that Russia would continue its military operation if the other side was not prepared for such dialogue or if agreements reached between Russia and Western countries were not upheld. “We will continue the special military operation, seek to eliminate the root causes of the conflict, and defend our interests through military means,” Galuzin said. The third Kazakhstan-Russia Media Forum is being held in Kazakhstan. The first forum in the format was held at the TASS headquarters in Moscow in November 2024, while the second meeting took place in Almaty last year.