▲Russia has repeatedly said it is open to negotiations, but Ukraine and its allies suspect that this is Russia’s strategy to buy time. Pictured is Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Image / Summary from the official Twitter @KremlinRussia)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said today that Russia has shown no genuine interest in ending the war in Ukraine. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope that the conflict would be resolved quickly.
Vladimir Putin, who ordered the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, said on Sunday that Russia was committed to quickly ending the conflict in Ukraine and that the fighting should end as soon as possible, AFP reported.
“Our goal is … to end this conflict. We are working on it and will continue to work on it … so we will try to make sure it ends, and as soon as possible,” Putin told reporters.
“Russia basically shows no interest in engaging in meaningful diplomacy and negotiating to end the war right now,” Blinken said at a news conference afterwards.
Russia could end the war immediately by withdrawing its troops, he said, but in the absence of a retreat, “we need to see some significant evidence that Russia is ready to actually negotiate a just and lasting peace.”
Russia has repeatedly said it is open to negotiations, but Ukraine and its allies suspect this is a Russian ploy to buy time. A series of setbacks and troop withdrawals by Russia had tipped the battle in Kiev’s favor. (Central News Agency, Wash., 22)
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