Moscow Unlikely to Engage in Talks with US- Analysis

Russia Rejects Unilateral Concessions in Talks with US, Says Senior Diplomat

Meaningful negotiations between Russia and the US are not possible under current circumstances, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov. Speaking at an international policy forum in Moscow, Ryabkov stated that he does not believe the dialogue will return to its previous state before it was unilaterally suspended by the US. He also mentioned that Moscow is still deliberating whether to respond to a letter from Washington requesting a restart of communication on “strategic stability”. However, Ryabkov emphasized that any reply from Russia is unlikely to contain any unilateral concessions. He stressed that the issue is not about concessions or compromises, but rather whether there is any value in engaging in such communication.

Russia has consistently maintained that it is willing to engage in dialogue on nuclear weapons and other matters with the US, but only as equals. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov urged Washington to refrain from lecturing Moscow if they want useful negotiations to take place. The tensions between Russia and the US escalated after Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. As a result, the US imposed sanctions on Russia and provided assistance to Ukraine, pledging ongoing support. Russia argues that the delivery of heavy weapons by Western countries to Kiev implicates the US and other NATO nations as direct participants in the conflict.

Source: RT news: Talks with US unlikely – Moscow