Newsletters
Russia remains in the preparatory stage of negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Wednesday, cautioning that discussions about a possible meeting in Abu Dhabi were premature.
Speaking on the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa forum in Moscow, Ryabkov said diplomatic efforts had yet to move beyond preliminary preparations.
“By and large, we are still in the preparation phase,” he said.
Ryabkov expressed hope that intensive diplomatic engagement with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration would help lay the groundwork for a lasting settlement.
He stressed that any agreement would need to address what Moscow considers the root causes of the conflict, including its security concerns and issues involving Russian-speaking populations and the Russian Orthodox Church.
Ryabkov also downplayed the possibility of a significant shift in Washington's approach toward Moscow following the upcoming U.S. congressional elections.
He argued that an anti-Russian consensus had become deeply entrenched across American political parties, making a fundamental change in policy unlikely regardless of the election results.
However, he acknowledged that some Americans supported peaceful relations and greater cooperation with Russia, viewing Moscow as a potentially important international partner.
Turning to Russia's relations with Africa, Ryabkov insisted that Western sanctions would not prevent Moscow from expanding partnerships with African countries, members of BRICS and other partners across Eurasia.
He also criticized France over its stance toward Russia's growing engagement with African nations, urging Paris to concentrate on its domestic challenges rather than question Moscow's relationships on the continent.
According to Ryabkov, Western countries have struggled to accept the increasing independence of former colonies in determining their foreign partnerships and choosing their international allies.
The Russian diplomat also warned about what he described as the spread of weapons and militant activity from Ukraine into African countries.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
