The Russia-Ukraine war, which is now in its third year, shows no signs of ending. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has now taken his plan to the EU and NATO and wants an invite to join the latter bloc. That’s essentially part of the problem, says Maria Zakharova, spokesperson of Russia’s foreign ministry
“The root cause of the conflict in Ukraine lies in the fact that NATO has been pulling the Kyiv regime into the alliance. This goal remains on the agenda and NATO representatives continue to repeat this idea,” Zakharova told StratNews Global.
She mentioned other reasons as well, such as the eradication of Russian language, culture, education and the canonical Orthodox Church.
What Russia Wants
The West must stop supplying weapons and the Kyiv regime must end the hostilities, said Zakharova. “Ukraine must return to its neutral, non-aligned and non-nuclear status.”
Ukraine needs to protect the Russian language and respect the rights and freedoms of its citizens, she added.
The agreements, which were agreed on March 29, 2022 by the Russian and Ukrainian delegations, could serve as a basis for this settlement.
‘Ground Realities Have Changed’
This document that was agreed at that time provides for Kiev’s refusal to join NATO and contain security guarantees for Ukraine.
Maria Zakharova is of the view that ground realities have now changed considerably, including the legal terms.
In June this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin spelt out what he wanted. Complete withdrawal of the Ukrainian forces from Donbas, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Khersong.
There has to be recognition of territorial realities as set forth in the Russian Constitution, says the foreign ministry spokesperson. “Demilitarise Ukraine, protect the interests of Russian-speaking citizens and remove all sanctions against Russia.”
How Russia Views India
Russia and India have been in a special, privileged and strategic partnership. “There has been substantial momentum in terms of bilateral trade. Last year, it increased by over 60%, almost reaching $60 billion,” says Maria Zakharova.
Russia remains a reliable weapons supplier and retains the de facto status of the “only country in the world willing to share the military knowledge with New Delhi”.
Areas Of Cooperation
Both countries have been working together on the Gaganyaan crewed space programme and satellite navigation projects. Besides, there has been cooperation with regard to the Kudankulam nuclear power plant.
The two countries also work closely together in the transport sector, primarily as part of the project to create the North-South International Transport Corridor. There is also an ongoing effort to carry out a bigger share of mutual transactions in national currencies and promote financial connectivity. Educational and cultural ties have gained considerable momentum while tourist flows have been on the rise.
There’s strong friendship, mutual respect and the fact that we take into account each other’s interests, said Zakharova.
Russia Junior Partner To China?
Fake news is how she responded to the oft-narrated Western view that Russia is playing second fiddle to China. “I don’t even want to comment on this. And I want to remind you that for decades we have heard the opposite story—that China was Russia’s young brother. Now, these non-professional observers turn the page upside down.”
The reality is that Moscow and Beijing have been enhancing their strategic partnership. It is based on equality, mutual respect, trust and support, said Maria Zakharova.
India-China Feud: Will Russia Mediate?
The border issue between Beijing and New Delhi is a bilateral issue, the spokesperson said. We’re sure that the wise leaders of these countries will be able to find mutually acceptable solutions.
Russia won’t interfere in this process in any way but would be ready to provide assistance, should it receive relevant requests, she said.
