Russia‘s special military operation in Ukraine will only be suspended or brought to an end on terms determined by Moscow, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said Wednesday.
Speaking at a meeting with the expert council overseeing the United Russia party’s national program, Medvedev argued that the timing and conditions of any suspension or conclusion of the conflict would ultimately be decided by Russia.
Moscow Rejects the Idea of an Imposed Settlement
Medvedev, who also chairs the United Russia party, said Russia would not expect the end of hostilities to automatically transform its broader relationship with Western countries.
His remarks indicate that Moscow views the Ukraine conflict and its wider confrontation with the West as separate but interconnected issues.
Medvedev Predicts Limited Change in Western Relations
According to Medvedev, relations between Russia and Western countries are unlikely to change substantially simply because the military operation is eventually suspended or concluded.
He suggested that the fundamental disagreements between Moscow and Western capitals extend beyond the battlefield and would therefore remain even after fighting stops.
Russia Says End of Conflict Will Come Eventually
Medvedev nevertheless acknowledged that the military operation would eventually be suspended or terminated.
He said such an outcome would happen “sooner or later,” while emphasizing that Moscow expects the terms of any eventual settlement to reflect Russia’s interests.
Moscow Signals Continued Commitment to Its Position
The comments reinforce the Russian leadership’s longstanding position that any resolution of the Ukraine conflict must address Moscow’s security concerns and broader political objectives.
Medvedev’s statement also signals that Russia does not anticipate an immediate normalization of relations with Western governments following a potential ceasefire, suggesting that the geopolitical confrontation could persist even after the fighting ends.
Ukraine Conflict Remains Tied to Wider Russia-West Tensions
Medvedev’s remarks come as diplomatic efforts surrounding the conflict continue against a backdrop of strained relations between Russia and Western countries.
By emphasizing that Moscow would determine the conditions for ending or suspending the operation, the former Russian president presented the conflict’s eventual conclusion as an outcome that Russia intends to shape rather than accept on terms set by external powers.
