Russia Ukraine negotiations with Western Europe are off the table, says Mikhail Galuzin, citing Western military support and sanctions.
© Valery Sharifulin
MOSCOW, October 15 — Russia has ruled out negotiations with Western European countries over Ukraine, with Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stating that Moscow currently sees no basis for discussions with them. In remarks reported by The Times of Russia, the diplomat accused European governments of supporting Kyiv militarily and financially while pursuing what he described as ineffective pressure against Russia.
Speaking in an interview with the Izvestia daily, Galuzin said the actions of Western European governments had demonstrated hostility and a lack of willingness to pursue meaningful diplomatic engagement.
Russia Ukraine Negotiations with Western Europe Face a Deadlock
Galuzin said Russia does not intend to enter negotiations with Western European countries under the present circumstances. He accused them of continuing to provide weapons and financial assistance to the Kyiv government, which, according to him, supports attacks against the Russian population and resistance against Russian armed forces.
The Russian deputy foreign minister also alleged that these actions were intended to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia.
According to Galuzin, the policies pursued by Western European governments demonstrate that they are unwilling to engage in constructive discussions. He argued that they have shown little interest in finding a political and diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine crisis by addressing what Moscow considers its underlying causes.
He maintained that Western European countries have not presented proposals that Russia considers constructive, leaving little opportunity for negotiations at this stage.
Galuzin Criticises UK, Germany and France
Galuzin specifically criticised the approaches adopted by the United Kingdom, Germany and France towards Russia. He said these countries were attempting to engage with Moscow through ultimatums and additional Western sanctions against Russia, rather than pursuing an approach that could facilitate diplomatic dialogue.
According to the Russian diplomat, these measures reflect a failure to recognise the limitations of economic and political pressure on Moscow.
He stated that the three European countries neither understand nor acknowledge that such pressure is futile.
The comments highlight the continuing disagreement between Russia and major Western European governments over the handling of the Ukraine conflict, including military assistance to Kyiv, sanctions and the prospects for a negotiated settlement.
Diplomatic Resolution Remains Uncertain
Galuzin’s remarks indicate that Russia currently sees no grounds for negotiations with Western European governments under the conditions he described. His comments also underline Moscow’s criticism of European policies involving military support for Ukraine and pressure through sanctions.
The Russian official’s position centres on the demand that the underlying causes of the conflict be addressed as part of any potential Russia Ukraine political settlement.
However, his statements offer no indication of an immediate change in Russia’s approach to talks with the United Kingdom, Germany or France.
For now, the possibility of renewed diplomatic engagement between Moscow and Western European capitals remains uncertain, with significant differences persisting over military support, sanctions and the path towards resolving the Ukraine crisis.
As reported by The Times of Russia, Galuzin’s comments reflect the Russian government’s stated position that it sees no constructive basis for negotiations with Western European countries at present.
