- Mikhail Galuzin added that Moscow has “repeatedly demonstrated this”
ST. PETERSBURG – Russia has reiterated its willingness to engage in negotiations over the conflict in Ukraine, while conditioning any meaningful dialogue on what it describes as a “constructive and mature” approach from Western nations. The statement was made by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin on the sidelines of the third Kazakhstan-Russia Media Forum.
Official Stance on Negotiations
Consistent Readiness for Diplomatic Engagement
Asserting Russia’s long-standing position, Galuzin emphasized that Moscow has never closed the door to a negotiated settlement:
“We are always ready for negotiations and open to a negotiated solution, and we have demonstrated this on numerous occasions.”
Criticism of Ukraine’s Withdrawal from Talks
The deputy minister placed responsibility for the breakdown of previous negotiations squarely on Kyiv, characterizing Ukraine’s actions as erratic:
“It was the other side—the Ukrainian side—that withdrew from the talks, later imposed a self-ban on participation, and has behaved, to put it mildly, inconsistently.”
Preconditions for Constructive Dialogue
Western Recognition of Root Causes
Galuzin outlined the primary condition under which Russia would consider renewed talks viable:
“If, within the Western camp—specifically among Ukraine’s sponsors—there has matured an understanding of the need for an honest, constructive dialogue aimed at addressing the well-known root causes of the conflict, then prospects for such a dialogue may emerge.”
Requirement for Kyiv’s Compliance
He further stressed that any agreement would require Western allies to ensure Ukrainian adherence:
“There must be a willingness to ensure that the Kyiv regime abides by the agreements reached between its Western sponsors and us.”
Military Continuation as an Alternative
Should the aforementioned conditions not be met, Galuzin made clear that Russia would persist with its military campaign:
“If there is no such readiness on the other side, then we will continue the special military operation. Our objective will remain the elimination of the root causes of the conflict, and we will defend our interests through military means—acting in a targeted, effective manner to minimize destruction and protect our people on both sides of the line of contact.”
Forum Background
The Kazakhstan-Russia Media Forum serves as a bilateral platform for media cooperation and regional dialogue. The inaugural session was hosted at TASS headquarters in Moscow in November 2024, commemorating the agency’s 120th anniversary. The second meeting took place in Almaty in 2025, with the current forum continuing this tradition of cross-border journalistic exchange.
BY: The Times Union – TASS
