MOSCOW: Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov has confirmed that a Russian delegation is heading to Geneva for a new round of negotiations with the United States, acknowledging that the dialogue is expected to be challenging.
Ryabkov said the delegation is departing with clear directives based on prior understandings reached at the presidential level between Moscow and Washington. He emphasized that Russia’s objective in the Ukraine discussions is to secure a long-term and sustainable agreement that addresses what it considers the underlying causes of the conflict, rather than pursuing short-term arrangements.
According to the senior diplomat, Moscow believes that without resolving the core issues behind the crisis, any settlement would remain fragile. He added that Russia would make every effort to achieve a durable outcome.
Ukraine and European Role
Ryabkov criticized certain European actors, describing them as a “war party” that he claims is complicating diplomatic efforts. He argued that some European governments continue to promote the idea that Russia can be strategically defeated, a stance he said undermines realistic negotiations and contributes to regional instability.
US-Russia Relations
Commenting on bilateral ties, Ryabkov noted that under US President Donald Trump there have been limited but noticeable openings for dialogue. He said Russia intends to use any opportunity to stabilize relations and seek mutually acceptable solutions despite ongoing disagreements.
He also stated that the issue of Russian citizens imprisoned in the United States remains on the agenda of bilateral discussions. At the same time, he stressed that Moscow does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, including the US, though it continues to monitor political developments such as the upcoming midterm elections and their potential impact on foreign policy.
Cuba and Maritime Security
Ryabkov said Cuba remains an important matter for Moscow, criticizing what he described as US actions that disregard international legal norms. He further warned that any attempts to restrict or contain Russia’s naval operations could carry serious consequences, noting Russia’s experience in safeguarding freedom of navigation.
‘Board of Peace’ Initiative
Regarding the proposed “Board of Peace,” the deputy foreign minister said Russia is carefully reviewing the initiative and is not rushing to make a decision on participation. Moscow plans to evaluate the level and format of the upcoming meeting in Washington before determining its next steps.
About The Author
