Russia is open to entering into peace negotiations with Ukraine based on the 'current reality on the ground' and as long as the latter 'ceases to be a tool in the hands of other countries,' declared the Russian ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Gennady Gatilov. Gatilov rejected the so-called 'victory plan' of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, arguing that it would entail the 'surrender of Russia, which is unacceptable and will not bring peace to Europe.'
At a press conference in Geneva, Gatilov warned about a possible use by Ukraine of long-range missiles, should they be provided by NATO member countries, which would represent an 'open confrontation' between the Western military alliance and Russia. The Russian ambassador highlighted that Zelensky's intention to obtain this weaponry shows Ukraine's desire to escalate the conflict and advance beyond Russian territory.
Gatilov emphasized that the Ukrainian armed forces do not have the autonomy necessary to handle this type of weaponry without Western assistance in terms of specialists, data, and intelligence. From Russia's perspective, peace with Ukraine will only be possible if this country adopts a policy of neutrality and demilitarization, but clarified that this does not mean the demand to dismantle its army.
The Russian ambassador reiterated: 'We are not saying that they should not have an army; the problem is that this country has a hostile attitude towards Russia, and what we seek is to have friendly relations.' Gatilov stressed that Russia will not accept a brief ceasefire with the sole purpose of allowing for the entry of more munitions into Ukraine. The ultimate goal is to achieve a demilitarized country on the border that does not pose a threat to Russia's national interests and security.
