Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his government of having little interest in ending the war, while insisting that Moscow remains open to negotiations.
In an August 11 interview with TASS, Galuzin argued that prolonging the conflict serves the political interests of Ukraine’s leadership and allows it to avoid what Moscow describes as responsibility for crimes committed during the conflict.
Russia Says Military Objectives Remain in Place
Despite saying that negotiations remain possible, Galuzin said Russia would continue its military campaign to achieve what Moscow calls the demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine and to eliminate security threats originating from Ukrainian territory.
He said Russia’s fundamental principles for a long-term settlement have not changed, pointing to President Vladimir Putin’s June 14, 2024 address at the Russian Foreign Ministry as the basis for Moscow’s position.
Moscow Rules Out Near-Term German Talks
Galuzin said Russia has had no official contacts with Germany concerning a settlement of the Ukraine conflict and suggested that formal discussions were unlikely under Germany’s current political leadership.
He attributed this position to what Moscow views as Berlin’s highly confrontational rhetoric and policies toward Russia.
The deputy foreign minister nevertheless acknowledged that informal meetings between representatives of Russian and German public organizations have taken place and continue.
Russia Warns Against Provocations in Belarus
The Russian official issued a strong warning over any potential attempt to destabilize Belarus, which Moscow regards as a close ally.
Galuzin said any provocation or destabilizing action against Belarus would be considered an attack on the Union State formed by Russia and Belarus.
He called on Western countries to use their influence to prevent what he described as possible provocations by the Zelenskyy government, warning that escalation could have consequences for the wider European continent.
Moscow Issues Warning Over Transnistria
Galuzin also addressed the unresolved situation in Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria.
He warned Moldova’s leadership and Kyiv against any armed action against the territory, emphasizing Moscow’s claim that more than 220,000 Russian citizens live there.
According to the Russian deputy foreign minister, any military aggression against Transnistria would have what he described as catastrophic consequences for those responsible.
Armenia’s EU Debate Comes Under Scrutiny
The interview also touched on Armenia’s relationship with European institutions and the Eurasian Economic Union.
Galuzin said an upcoming referendum is intended to determine public attitudes toward the European Union and the EAEU.
He framed the issue as a practical choice rather than simply a question of whether Armenia would like to join the EU, arguing that voters must consider whether they are prepared to leave EAEU membership in exchange for the uncertain prospect of future European Union accession.
Moscow Welcomes Kazakhstan’s Attention to Ukraine
Galuzin expressed appreciation for Kazakhstan’s leadership for its attention to developments surrounding the Ukraine conflict.
However, he reiterated Moscow’s opposition to simply freezing the fighting without addressing what Russia considers the underlying causes of the crisis.
He cited Putin’s repeated position that a ceasefire or temporary freeze cannot substitute for a broader political settlement addressing the issues Moscow identifies as the roots of the conflict.
Russia Signals Openness to Georgia
Turning to Georgia, Galuzin said Moscow remains prepared to expand pragmatic relations with Tbilisi.
He argued that Georgia’s long-term development would benefit more from cooperation with Russia than from confrontation.
The remarks indicate that Moscow continues to signal an interest in improving practical ties with Georgia despite years of political tensions between the two countries.
Moscow Reaffirms Broader Regional Strategy
Galuzin’s comments collectively underscore Russia’s continued emphasis on negotiations while maintaining its military objectives in Ukraine and issuing warnings over potential escalation in neighboring regions.
From Belarus and Transnistria to Armenia, Kazakhstan and Georgia, the deputy foreign minister used the interview to outline Moscow’s positions on a range of regional disputes and alliances, while arguing that Russia remains open to pragmatic diplomatic engagement where it considers such engagement possible.
