As the United States renews its diplomatic push to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, Moscow is making something clear: its position has not changed.
While U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian officials met for trilateral talks in January and again in early February — with another round expected next week — the Kremlin has used the same period to restate its position.
As Washington speaks of momentum and narrowing gaps, Russia’s most senior officials have publicly dismissed key elements of the proposed framework.
For three consecutive days, from Feb. 9 to Feb. 11, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov publicly undercut suggestions that negotiations were advancing.
His message was consistent and direct: Russia’s territorial and political demands remain intact, and any serious discussion must revolve around Ukraine accepting them.
The USA has no leverage left to put on Russia, trump is too weak and won’t go after Putin.
The only thing that would change the status quo at the negotiating table is external influence on the battle field by a western power. Something no one wants to commit to in fear of escalation.
Meanwhile Ukraine will get a raw deal losing a third of its territory with the very real prospect of Russia walking in and taking the rest in a few years time.