Russian Diplomat Says War Could End If Ukraine Returns To Non-Aligned And Non-Nuclear Status

President Erdogan met with the delegation of peace negotiations for Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul in 2022. (Source: Presidency of The Republic of Turkey)

JAKARTA - Peace settlement in Ukraine is only possible if Kyiv stops hostilities and terrorist attacks, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said Thursday.

"On our behalf, we continue to maintain the stance of our principle that a comprehensive, sustainable and fair solution is only possible if the Kyiv regime stops hostilities and terrorist attacks, while its Western sponsors stop pumping Ukraine's military with weapons," Galuzin said in an interview with TASS., as quoted August 10.

"The original foundations of Ukraine's sovereignty - its neutrality, its adherence to non-blocks and its non-nuclear status - must be confirmed to achieve this (conflict) settlement," the diplomat continued.

"The new territorial reality must be recognized, Ukraine's demilitarization and denazification as well as the rights of citizens who speak Russian and national minorities must be ensured in accordance with international legal requirements," Galuzin concluded.

As previously reported, President Vladimir Putin said Russia had never rejected talks with Ukraine, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs having accepted 30 peace initiatives related to the conflict between the two countries.

Regarding questions to start peace talks, he said, "We don't reject it... So that this process can start, there needs to be an agreement from both sides," President Putin said, as reported by Reuters.

Separately, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova said on the sidelines of the Russia-African summit, the Kremlin received about 30 peace initiatives for resolving the Ukrainian conflict, through official channels or not.

Like President Putin, Zakharova stressed Russia has never rejected negotiations over resolving the Ukraine conflict.

"Even when we understand (the negotiations) it is impossible to bring added value, but we always give partners such opportunities or situations in general," he explained.

Furthermore, Zakharova highlighted Kyiv's move to withdraw from the negotiations they requested in April 2022.

"Several rounds took place and then they stopped responding to the documents and materials we sent at their request. And in September, they themselves were legally prohibited from negotiating with our country," he explained.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected the idea of a ceasefire that would see Russia take control of nearly a fifth of his country's territory, giving its troops time to reunite as war enters its 18th month.