Russian foreign ministry Spokesperson, Maria Zakharova has disclosed that a peace settlement with Ukraine is only possible if Kyiv puts down its arms.
Zakharova noted in a statement, The original foundations of Ukraine’s sovereignty – its neutral, non-aligned and non-nuclear status – must be confirmed.
However, Zakharova asserted that a peace deal with Kyiv based on Zelenskyy’s 10-point peace plan is “impossible.”
“None of its 10 points is aimed at finding a negotiated and diplomatic solution to the crisis, and their totality is a senseless ultimatum from Russia, which is aimed at protracting hostilities.
“On such a basis, a peaceful settlement is impossible.”
Maria Zakharova
The Russian foreign ministry Spokesperson claimed that Ukraine and the West are trying to “downplay” peace proposals by other countries.
“In essence, as we said, there is a fight against dissent at the international level, attempts to push through unviable settlement ideas through unscrupulous manipulations,” Zakharova said.
Some requirements stated in Ukraine’s peace plan include, Radiation and nuclear safety; focusing on restoring security around Zaporizhzhia plant, Food security; including protecting and ensuring Ukraine’s grain export to the world’s poorest nations, Release of all prisoners and deportees, including war prisoners and children deported to Russia as well as Restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity and Russia reaffirming it according to the UN Charter.
The plan also calls for Withdrawal of Russian troops and the cessation of hostilities; the restoration of Ukraine’s state borders with Russia, Justice, including the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes and a Confirmation of the war’s end, including a document signed by the involved parties.
Furthermore, Zakharova appreciated the “mediation and humanitarian initiatives” of countries from the Global South, adding that Moscow had been following talks held in Saudi Arabia.
Russia was not invited to the conference in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where representatives from about 40 countries including China, India, the US and Ukraine took part in a summit to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine. The summit ended on Sunday, August 6, 2023.
Meanwhile, Mykhailo Podolyak, Adviser to the head of the office of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, opined on Monday that there can be no compromise on the President’s peace formula for Ukraine.
Podolyak said this includes negotiations around “immediate ceasefires” and “negotiations here and now.”
“The only basic “foundation for negotiations” is President Zelenskiy’s peace formula. There can be no compromise positions such as “immediate ceasefires” and “negotiations here and now” that give Russia time to stay in the occupied territories. Only the withdrawal of Russian troops to the 1991 border. One should have no illusions: any “Minsk-3” will only prolong the war in the future.”
Mykhailo Podolyak
Russia Releases 22 Ukrainian Prisoners
Also on Monday, Russia released 22 Ukrainian soldiers in the latest prisoner exchange between the two countries, head of the President’s office, Andriy Yermak disclosed.
Yermak stated that all of them are soldiers of the armed forces of Ukraine, including two officers, enlisted and noncommissioned officers.
The released servicemen included officers, sergeants and privates who fought in different parts of the front. Some were wounded.
“Today we have returned 22 Ukrainian fighters home from captivity,” Yermak divulged.
He added that the oldest of them was 54 years old and the youngest 23.
A video posted on Telegram showed soldiers wrapped in blue and yellow Ukrainian flags posing for pictures and shouting “Glory to Ukraine.”
Yermak also revealed that the freed Ukrainian soldiers will undergo physical and psychological rehabilitation and reintegration training, and will receive the necessary medical treatment.
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