Russia: We are on the brink of a solution
Stockholm, December 16 (Hibya) – Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said in an exclusive interview with ABC News that he believes the warring parties are “very close” to a diplomatic solution to end the war.
Speaking on behalf of the Russian government, Ryabkov said, “We are ready for an agreement,” adding that he hopes a deal will be reached “as soon as possible.”
U.S. administration officials said on Monday that a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine could be closer than ever, stating that “literally about 90 percent” of the issues between the two countries have been resolved.
However, Ryabkov reiterated Moscow’s long-standing demands, which he said Kyiv cannot accept as part of any peace agreement, including Russia’s control over Crimea and four partially occupied regions in southern and eastern Ukraine.
Another point of contention for Moscow is the possible deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine after the war.
Ryabkov said Russia would never approve any agreement that includes the presence of NATO forces on Ukrainian territory.
Usa News Agency