Russia Urges US to Take First Step in Normalizing Relations, Ryabkov Says
The United States must initiate efforts to improve relations with Russia, which have deteriorated sharply following the Ukrainian crisis, a senior Russian diplomat emphasized on February 5. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov argued that it is wrong for the US to base its foreign policy on an incessant need to come to an agreement with the White House at all costs.
Ryabkov noted that since the election of President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin has regarded Trump as pragmatic and expressed a desire to meet with him. He also highlighted that Russia has long sought to be a partner with the West, but its attempts were largely ignored due to the West’s goal of weakening Moscow.
Ryabkov stressed that the US must take the first step toward normalizing relations, taking into account mutual respect and equal rights.
The senior diplomat reaffirmed Russia’s openness to dialogue, noting that it is up to Trump and his team to decide the next steps. In terms of resolving the conflict in Ukraine, Ryabkov emphasized that any discussions must consider Russia’s control over parts of Ukrainian territory, and questioned the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as a negotiating partner.
Trump has expressed his readiness to meet Putin and end the war in Ukraine, while Russian officials have denied any current direct talks with the US on this matter.
