Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that without “eliminating the root causes of the conflict” Moscow will not permit Ukrainian forces to use any potential pause in fighting for “rest and regrouping.”

“It is necessary to exclude any possibility for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to take advantage of a pause for respite and regrouping of forces,” Ryabkov stated in an interview with Russian state-funded TASS.

The Russian official said this position has been consistent since Putin outlined it to Foreign Ministry leadership nearly a year ago. Ryabkov argued that Washington is well aware of Moscow’s stance and that sanctions threats will not alter Russia’s position.

He criticized what he termed “hotheads who have lost the remnants of common sense in the US Senate” for not acknowledging this reality.

Despite expressing openness to negotiations, Ryabkov set conditions for talks.

“We are open to honest negotiations based on consideration of Russian interests and mutual respect, but we are not deluding ourselves,” he said, adding that Russia will continue efforts to achieve what it calls the goals of its “special military operation.”

Ryabkov said Russia expressed gratitude for US support in resuming direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which Moscow claims were interrupted by Ukraine in 2022. 

The Institute for the Study of War warned earlier that peace terms modeled on 2022 proposals would amount to Ukraine’s capitulation, as Russia seeks to weaken Ukraine militarily and diplomatically to eventually destroy its statehood, seize resources, and use its population for further aggression.

Ryabkov also indicated that Russia views the return of Donald Trump to the White House as grounds for cautious optimism regarding potential normalization of US-Russia relations. He confirmed that the two presidents have held four telephone conversations since Trump’s inauguration.

This statement follows earlier comments by Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, who said that Russia seeks the “complete destruction” of Ukraine, signaling a lack of genuine interest in peace negotiations despite recent talks in Istanbul.

Militarily, Russia is expanding its capabilities, stockpiling over 13,000 missiles and increasing drone production, preparing for a prolonged war.