Russia Eyes New Path to End Ukraine War, Holds Firm to Putin’s Goals
Russia Open to ‘Constructive and Realistic’ Ideas to End Ukraine War
Russia has said it is ready to consider any “constructive and realistic” proposals to end the war in Ukraine, provided they align with President Vladimir Putin’s stated goals and reflect current battlefield realities. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov made the remarks in an interview with Russian state media on Friday, August 21, 2026. “Moscow is ready to listen to any reasonable proposals and ideas that are consistent with the Russian military campaign and the president’s goals and maintain the real situation on the ground,” Ryabkov said.
He also said Moscow had not ruled out resuming talks on Ukraine. Russia’s key conditions for a ceasefire include Ukraine handing over the eastern Donbas region, demilitarizing its military and formally abandoning plans to join NATO. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stepped up diplomatic efforts following recent talks in Washington, while fighting continues across Ukraine.
