Question: How would you comment on the meeting on the Ukrainian crisis that recently ended in Jeddah?
Answer: The Russian Foreign Ministry took note of the information about the consultations on the Ukrainian crisis that took place in Saudi Jeddah on August 5-6 at the initiative of the Kiev regime and the Group of Seven countries. They were attended by our like-minded BRICS partners and other partners. We hope that, in accordance with the agreements, they will share their assessments with us and confirm our position on the so-called Zelensky’s “formula for peace”, which the Kiev regime and the West are trying to promote during such meetings. None of its 10 points is aimed at finding a negotiated and diplomatic solution to the crisis, and their totality is a meaningless ultimatum to Russia, which is aimed at delaying hostilities. A peaceful settlement is impossible on such a basis.
By promoting Zelensky’s “formula”, the Kiev regime and the West are trying to belittle the high value of other countries’ peace proposals and monopolize the very right to nominate them. In fact, as we have said, there is a struggle with dissent at the international level, attempts to push through unviable settlement ideas through unscrupulous manipulations.
We highly appreciate the mediation and humanitarian initiatives of our friends from the countries of the Global South aimed at achieving peace. Unlike the Kiev regime, which interrupted and banned negotiations with Russia, we have always been and remain open to a diplomatic solution to the crisis and are ready to respond to really serious proposals. Without Russia’s participation and consideration of its interests, no meetings on the topic of the Ukrainian crisis have the slightest added value.
We are convinced that a truly comprehensive, sustainable and just settlement is possible only if the Kiev regime stops fighting and terrorist attacks, and its Western sponsors pump up the Armed Forces of Ukraine with weapons. The original foundations of Ukraine’s sovereignty – its neutral, non-aligned and nuclear-free status – must be confirmed. The new territorial realities that have developed as a result of the exercise by residents of the new Russian regions of the right to self-determination enshrined in the UN Charter should be recognized, demilitarization and denazification should be ensured Ukraine, the rights of its Russian-speaking citizens and national minorities in accordance with the requirements of its domestic legislation and international law. We are convinced that the implementation of these elements fully meets international peace and security, for which Russia is fighting.
