Russia Seeks Long-Term Ukraine Peace Deal Over Quick Ceasefire

Russia Calls for Lasting Peace As the Ukraine conflict enters its third year, Russia has reiterated its preference for a long-term peace agreement rather than a quick, U.S.-backed ceasefire. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, in an interview with RIA news agency, emphasized that a temporary truce could lead to a swift resumption of hostilities, making the situation even more volatile. With global attention on possible diplomatic solutions, Russia maintains that any lasting agreement must address the root causes of the conflict, including its grievances against NATO and concerns over Russian-speaking populations in Ukraine. Russia Rejects Quick Ceasefire Proposals According to Ryabkov, Washington appears eager for an immediate ceasefire to de-escalate tensions. However, Moscow fears that such a move, without addressing the underlying issues, could lead to renewed fighting with greater consequences, including for U.S.-Russia relations. "We need to find a long-term solution," Ryabkov stated, "which must necessarily include overcoming the root causes of the situation in and around Ukraine." Ukraine Peace Talks: No Clarity on U.S. Position Recent Russia-U.S. talks in Riyadh focused on restoring bilateral relations and setting the groundwork for Ukraine peace discussions. However, Ryabkov noted that Moscow has yet to receive details on former U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine. While Russia remains open to dialogue, its core concerns remain unresolved, including NATO’s expansion and its alleged impact on regional stability. Russia’s Justification for Military Action Ryabkov reiterated Russia’s stance that it had "no choice" but to launch its "special military operation" in Ukraine. Moscow continues to argue that NATO’s expansion towards its borders posed a direct security threat, justifying its military intervention. Additionally, Russia claims that the rights of Russian-speaking populations in Ukraine have been violated—an allegation Kyiv firmly denies. These issues, according to Moscow, must be addressed in any lasting peace agreement. A Divided Path to Peace While the U.S. pushes for an immediate ceasefire, Russia insists on a broader settlement that tackles long-standing security concerns. With no clear roadmap for peace and geopolitical tensions remaining high, the possibility of a near-term resolution remains uncertain. The coming months will determine whether diplomatic efforts can bridge the divide or if the conflict will continue to escalate.   (With inputs from agencies)