Russia signals willingness to explore new Ukraine peace plan

Russia in a recent development has signalled willingness to explore a new Ukraine peace plan aimed at resolving the years-long conflict between two countries.

A senior Russian diplomat said on Friday that Russia is open to listening to new proposals on how to reach a settlement on the Ukraine conflict but the proposals “should reflect the realities on the ground.”

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov also talked about such a possibility of peace plans with Ukraine in a recent interview, stating, “ the US demonstrated a readiness for constructive dialogue and an understanding of Russia’s position.” According to him, any proposal should align with Russian interests and goals.

"At this stage, it is more important to what extent ​Washington ​is ⁠able to influence the decisions of the ​Kyiv regime and its ​European ⁠sponsors, who still dream of a 'strategic defeat' of ⁠Russia," ​he said.

The highly anticipated peace talks between the US and Russia to resolve the conflict in Ukraine have stalled given the involvement of Washington in the ongoing war in Iran.

The Kremlin stated it has no current information regarding a potential upcoming visit to Moscow by US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Following a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio focused on a commitment to ending the war. At the same time, he cautioned that a quick deal is unlikely to be made and to make it possible the US is seeking a middle ground.

In previous days, Russia warned the UK of high-price consequences on the accusation of supplying the drones to Ukraine, used to hit the Moscow logistics and oil refineries with deep-range strikes. But the UK PM Andy Burnham asserted to support Ukraine fully.

After nearly four and a half years of conflict, Russia currently occupies about one-fifth of internationally recognized Ukrainian territory.