Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has mocked a scheduled round of Ukraine peace talks in Switzerland, asserting that Moscow will not accept any enforced plans that ignore its interests. Switzerland announced that it will host a high-level international conference in June to help achieve peace in Ukraine, expressing hope that Russia might eventually join the peace process. However, Putin claimed that Russia was not invited to the talks and criticized the idea that decisions could be made without Russian involvement. He dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s peace formula, which requires Russia to pull back its troops, pay compensation to Ukraine, and face an international tribunal for its actions.
During a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin stated that Russia is open to negotiations but will reject any proposals that are detached from reality. He has justified Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine as necessary to protect Russian interests and prevent Ukraine from becoming a major threat by joining NATO. Despite international criticism of Russia’s military campaign, Putin believes that Russian forces have the upper hand after Ukraine’s failed counteroffensive, and he asserts that Ukraine and the West will eventually have to accept a settlement on Moscow’s terms.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that talks to end the fighting in Ukraine would only succeed if they consider Moscow’s interests, dismissing a planned round of peace talks as a Western strategy to garner more international support for Kyiv. Moscow’s stance remains firm in asserting its place at the negotiating table and ensuring that any peace agreements align with its objectives. Putin continues to display a strong resolve, emphasizing the need for Russia to have a significant role in determining the future of Ukraine and safeguarding its own strategic interests in the region. The situation remains tense as Russia upholds its position, resisting pressure from the international community to yield in the ongoing conflict.
