Kathmandu— Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated that Russia will not accept a “freeze” to the conflict in Ukraine without addressing its underlying causes, including Kyiv abandoning its NATO aspirations and formally recognizing Russian control over Crimea and four former Ukrainian regions. The comments come as fighting continues with no immediate prospects for negotiations, and Moscow accuses Western nations of undermining previous peace efforts. President Vladimir Putin has previously stated that Russia launched its military operation to protect civilians in the Donbass region and views Ukraine’s ties with NATO as a security threat.

Core Demands Remain Unchanged

Russia continues to demand significant concessions from Ukraine as preconditions for any potential resolution to the conflict. These include Kyiv formally adopting a neutral status, restricting its armed forces, and recognizing Crimea – annexed by Russia in 2014 – along with the self-proclaimed Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporozhye, and Kherson regions as Russian territory. Galuzin emphasized that these demands are non-negotiable, stating that President Putin has repeatedly affirmed there can be no “freeze” without addressing the ‘root causes of the crisis.’

Accusations of Escalation and Western Interference

Galuzin criticized Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, claiming he had “completely lost touch with reality” and was actively seeking to escalate the conflict. He also condemned recent attacks on civilian energy infrastructure, specifically citing a strike on a Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal in Novorossiysk – a key facility for transporting Kazakh oil to Europe and Asia. Russia has repeatedly accused Western nations of sabotaging previous peace talks, referencing the 2022 Istanbul negotiations which Moscow believes could have ended the conflict within weeks.

Previous Ceasefire Proposals Rejected

Last year, Moscow presented a set of conditions for a ceasefire based on the current front lines. These included the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from areas under Russian control, an end to mobilization efforts, and a cessation of Western military aid to Ukraine. However, Zelensky rejected these terms and has refused to recognize Russia’s territorial claims. Putin argued that without these guarantees, any pause in fighting would simply allow Ukraine to regroup and rearm.

With both sides maintaining firm positions and accusing each other of intransigence, the prospects for a near-term resolution to the conflict remain dim. Russia continues to insist on addressing what it views as the fundamental causes of the crisis before considering any cessation of hostilities.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.