Russia has stated it is prepared to engage in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine if the West adopts a constructive attitude. In response, Ukraine has outlined a strategy to pressure Moscow into choosing peace before winter through a combination of diplomacy, sanctions, and medium- to long-range attacks.
On August 3, Mikhail Galuzin, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, said at the third Kazakhstan-Russia Media Forum in St. Petersburg, "We are always ready for negotiations and open to solutions through dialogue." He claimed, "The party that has deviated from negotiations is Ukraine," asserting that Ukraine has shown inconsistent behavior by withdrawing from talks and then prohibiting negotiations.
Galuzin emphasized that if the Western nations supporting Ukraine recognize the need for honest and constructive dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict, there could be a possibility for negotiations.
He criticized the West for not yet showing readiness for dialogue, stating, "So far, we have not heard constructive proposals regarding the Ukraine issue from Western countries. Instead, the West sometimes uses ultimatum-style language." He also accused the West of deluding itself into thinking that a war of attrition or economic measures could succeed, claiming they are using unfair competition to secure economic benefits and abusing their influence over international financial institutions.
Galuzin reiterated that military operations would continue if conditions for negotiations are not established. He stated, "If the other side is not prepared and the Kyiv regime shows no willingness to adhere to agreements made between Western sponsors and Russia, we will continue our special military operation," adding, "We will eliminate the root causes of the conflict and protect our interests through military means."
He also denied speculation that Russia is indirectly negotiating with the West through Kazakhstan, asserting that they are in direct contact with forces that can influence the Kyiv regime and have not requested Kazakhstan to relay messages to the West.
Previously, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev mentioned on July 25 that he had received various messages from Europe and the United States regarding the Ukraine war during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine Aims for Peace Before Winter
In contrast, Ukraine is focused on intensifying diplomacy, economic sanctions, and medium- to long-range attacks to draw Russia into negotiations before winter.
According to the Kyiv Post, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated during a meeting with heads of diplomatic missions in Kyiv on August 3, "We will do our utmost to end the war in the fall before winter arrives."
Zelensky claimed, "Putin is preparing for additional mobilization and new attacks in Russia," asserting, "We see Russia's true intentions and are rallying our partners to pressure the aggressor."
He emphasized the need to strengthen diplomatic efforts, Western economic sanctions, and attacks on Russia's military, logistics, and energy facilities to ensure that Russia has no choice but to pursue peace.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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