Moscow: No Ceasefire Without Addressing ‘Root Causes’ of Ukraine Conflict

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Moscow has dismissed the idea of a quick ceasefire in Ukraine without a comprehensive long-term peace agreement, warning that any short-term truce could lead to renewed fighting with even greater consequences. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov emphasized this stance in an interview with Russian media on Monday, marking three years since the invasion of Ukraine began.

Ryabkov stated that the United States appears to be pushing for an immediate ceasefire, but Russia believes such an approach would only lead to further instability. “A ceasefire without a long-term settlement is the path to a swift resumption of fighting,” he warned, adding that this would also have serious implications for Russian-American relations.

Moscow insists that any lasting peace deal must address what it sees as the root causes of the conflict, including NATO’s expansion and the treatment of Russian-speaking populations in Ukraine—claims that Kyiv strongly denies.

Recent Russia-U.S. talks in Riyadh reportedly focused on bilateral relations and potential Ukraine negotiations, but Ryabkov said they provided little clarity on U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on ending the war.

Russia maintains that its invasion, which it refers to as a “special military operation,” was necessary due to NATO’s growing influence in the region. Western nations, however, view the war as an unprovoked act of aggression against Ukraine.

As diplomatic efforts continue, Moscow has made it clear that it will not accept a temporary pause in hostilities without addressing its broader strategic concerns.