Russia’s Vice Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin has stated that halting hostilities without addressing the underlying causes of the crisis is impossible. In an interview with the TASS news agency, he emphasized that Russia will not freeze its military operations in Ukraine unless these core issues are addressed.
As reiterated by President Vladimir Putin, Galuzin noted that any form of “freezing” the conflict cannot happen without tackling the fundamental reasons behind the crisis.
His comments underline Moscow’s unwillingness to support a mere cessation of hostilities without ensuring its political and territorial demands are met.
Ukraine Faces Accusations
Galuzin also accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of being completely out of touch with reality and attempting to escalate the conflict. He pointed to what he described as “terroristic” attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure, including actions against the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which primarily serves Kazakhstan’s economic interests.
He expressed hope that this situation would elicit an adequate response from the international community, particularly from the United States, which has influence over the Kyiv regime, as well as from European nations with oil and gas companies invested in the CPC.
Contradictory Actions by the U.S.
Further criticizing the U.S., Galuzin labeled its actions in Ukraine as contradictory. He stated that the ongoing supply of U.S. arms to Kyiv, along with the provision of intelligence and other forms of assistance, is inconsistent with any desire for peace. He also referenced a recent statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting that Washington does not act as an impartial mediator.
“We are raising all these issues in our ongoing contacts with Washington,” Galuzin said.
Russia’s Objectives
Moreover, he asserted that Moscow is prepared to achieve its goals while considering the agreements made in Anchorage and is convinced that resolving the situation around Ukraine through diplomatic means is feasible, provided there is the necessary political will.
Earlier, Russia’s special envoy Rodin Miroshnik indicated that Russia should be ready for a protracted continuation of military operations in Ukraine, as the conflict is unlikely to end soon.
He emphasized that Western nations are betting on prolonging the conflict, causing all attempts at dialogue to be thwarted by an irreconcilable desire among Europeans to thwart any possibility of reaching an agreement.
Additionally, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated earlier this July that Russia intends to continue the war until the objectives set by Putin in June 2024 are achieved.
Moscow demands Ukraine fully concede the regions of Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, recognize them as Russian territories, abandon NATO membership, and undertake “demilitarization” and “denazification.”
