Russian diplomat slams Zelenskyy’s stubbornness While ties with Türkiye growing closer

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, has stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is refusing to acknowledge the changing realities on the ground, that is why he remains unwilling to cede territories currently under Russian control.

Peskov commented on the ongoing territorial dispute between Ukraine and Russia during a briefing on March 3, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

He highlighted that President Putin has consistently expressed that a potential basis for dialogue could be found in the Istanbul agreements, which were developed, agreed upon, and initialed. 

However, Peskov emphasised that the situation on the ground has shifted significantly in the past two and a half years, and only a blind person could fail to see these changes.

He added that only a deaf person would not want to hear it. After the European Union leaders' summit in London on March 2, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would not sign a ceasefire agreement with Russia in exchange for territorial losses.

The Ukrainian leader emphasised that Kyiv’s allies and countries willing to act as mediators in negotiations understand that if the conflict ends in a way that does not align with Ukraine's desires, it could flare up again in the future. 

Zelenskyy underscored that Ukraine does not seek to take anyone else's land but is not willing to give up its own.

Peskov also touched on the evolving relationship between Russia and Türkiye. He described the relationship between Moscow and Ankara as multifaceted and noted that it continues to develop. 

He stated, "The relationship between Moscow and Ankara is complex, and it continues to develop. There is ongoing intensive dialogue, and our relations are so close and operational that they are coordinated in just a few hours."

The remarks underline the continuing tension surrounding the territorial issue and reflect Russia's view on the evolving dynamics with its regional partners.

At the BRICS summit in Russia’s Kazan city, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that he is expecting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit in the near future. The Russian leader assured him that he would certainly make the trip.

By Naila Huseynova