In an interview with Russia’s state news agency TASS, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galusin mentioned Moscow’s new peace terms over Kiev. Among other things, Ukraine may not become a member of the EU or NATO. Meanwhile, US experts warn that Russia is once again putting pressure on the West to push Ukraine into negotiations.
To “solve the conflict” Ukraine must cease hostilities and western countries must stop supplying weapons. To achieve a “durable and just” peace, Kiev must return to its neutral, non-aligned status and recognize the “new territorial conditions” — that is, the occupied territories where Russian soldiers commit horrendous atrocities — as Russian territory. The top Kremlin diplomat backs this up with the absurd argument that the occupied territories are a “result of the right of peoples to self-determination”.
Russian should become the official language
The minister added that protecting the rights of Russian-speaking citizens and national minorities is also an important element in achieving peace. The Russian language should be recognized as an official language (so far only Ukrainian is the official language – editor’s note). According to the politician, fundamental human rights must also be guaranteed in Ukraine, including the right to freedom of religion.
Russia is not committed to human rights
The question is which human rights are meant by this. Since September 2022, Russia is no longer an official member of the European Convention on Human Rights and is therefore no longer committed to human rights. Russia’s withdrawal from the treaty is regrettable, says Renata Alt (FDP), member of the German Bundestag and chair of the Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid. “By this further isolation, Putin ensures that millions of Russians are no longer protected by the European Convention on Human Rights,” said the politician.
Previously, Russia had not asked Ukraine to give up its membership in the European Union and to give the Russian language the status of an official language. In June 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow would have no objection to the war-torn country joining the EU because the European Union “unlike NATO is not a military organization”.
American institution: Moscow pretends to be willing to negotiate
Experts warn that Russia is only pretending to negotiate to discourage the West from helping Ukraine. According to the Institute for War Studies ISW in Washington, Russia has not yet created conditions for such negotiations or abandoned its maximum goal of capitulating the Ukrainian government. It is likely that the Kremlin will intensify its false claims that it is ready for talks. At the same time, ISW experts see further efforts by China, with its special envoy Li Hui, to urge the West to use its influence over Ukraine to negotiate a ceasefire.
West continues to support
The EU countries and the US have always stressed that they will continue to support Ukraine. The country, which has been under attack by Russia for more than 15 months, is relying on Western heavy weapons and ammunition to liberate its occupied territories. In the West, it is always emphasized that Ukraine must decide its own future.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
