Feb 13 β€’ 12:16 UTC πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ Ukraine Kyiv Independent

Russia just laid out its Ukraine war endgame β€” here's what Moscow actually wants

Russia has reiterated its unyielding stance on its aims in the Ukraine conflict amid ongoing U.S. diplomatic attempts to foster negotiations.

As the United States seeks to rejuvenate diplomatic efforts to conclude the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia has made it clear that its position remains unchanged. Recent trilateral discussions involving U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian officials have not swayed Moscow, which continues to assert its original demands. While Washington touts progress in negotiations, Russian officials, notably Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, have been vocal in rejecting major aspects of the proposed resolution framework.

For three consecutive days, Lavrov conveyed a consistent message, expressing skepticism towards claims of advancing negotiations. He underscored Russia's steadfastness regarding its territorial claims and political objectives in Ukraine, effectively shutting down discussions that suggest any significant concessions from the Kremlin. This steadfastness reflects Russia's broader strategy to solidify its gains and assert its influence in the region, irrespective of international pressure.

The implications of Russia's unwavering position pose challenges for U.S. diplomacy and could potentially prolong the conflict in Ukraine. With ongoing military engagements and humanitarian crises escalating within the besieged country, the lack of a diplomatic breakthrough may further entrench divisions. As both sides prepare for continued talks, the gap between expectations from the U.S. and the realities asserted by Russia highlights the complexities of international negotiations in a highly volatile geopolitical landscape.

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