Kremlin says Russia is only interested in upholding understandings on Ukraine reached with the US

Russia is committed to understandings reached with the United States concerning a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated Wednesday. He emphasized that Russia is not willing to accept interim decisions or ultimatums beyond these initial agreements.

“

In August last year, the leaders of Russia and the United States reached a number of understandings regarding political ways out of the Ukrainian crisis. We remain committed to those understandings.

These understandings, referred to by Russian officials as the "Spirit of Anchorage," are interpreted by Moscow as a potential deal where Ukrainian forces would withdraw from the remaining parts of Donbas not under Russian control. In return, Russia would freeze the battle lines in other areas. Kyiv, however, has consistently rejected any territorial concessions.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are involved in negotiating a peace deal with Iran, are currently busy with other matters. He expressed confidence that contacts regarding Ukraine would resume once they become available, noting that Russia anticipates further work on the issue.

“

We understand that contacts will continue. Naturally, they are occupied with other matters right now, but at some point they will become available, and we are counting on further work.

Peskov described the envoys' efforts as "highly constructive" and particularly valuable at the current time, highlighting their willingness to listen to all sides. These positive comments follow earlier accusations from senior Russian officials that the United States was not adhering to the "understandings" established between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.

“

They are willing to listen to all sides, that is especially valuable right now.