Before the arrival in Moscow of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Ryabkov, summarized Russia’s approach to the upcoming discussions in comments to TASS:
“The key question is the extent to which the US administration is prepared to invest in finding a real solution to the current crisis, considering the realities on the ground, among other things. [This involves] not only the root causes we constantly discuss but also the situation itself, which is constantly changing, and not in Kiev’s favor….
“The fact is that the situation, as it unfolded during and after the Anchorage summit, raised numerous questions regarding the extent to which the US side is prepared in its approach to the set of issues requiring resolution to remain within the bounds of reason and avoid succumbing to political expediency or the influence of those opposed to a settlement. These questions remain open,” he added.
