Kremlin pushes peace narrative to hide unchanged war goals
Russia did not change its maximalist demands on war end (Photo: REUTERS/Ramil Sitdikov)
Moscow is "ready for compromises" to end the war — but only if its unchanged demands are met, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed in a manipulative statement reported by RBC-Russia propaganda outlet on Feb. 11.
"We are always ready for compromises, simply put, for a balance of interests," he claimed.
"The most important thing is that the legitimate interests of each state are taken into account."
However, he immediately undercut the offer by adding that compromises cannot apply to "key, basic principles on which the life of the state depends, and most importantly — the lives of millions of people."
Lavrov repeated standard propaganda narratives regarding Russia's security and the alleged "extermination of the Russian language and the Orthodox Church." He claimed the Russian delegation raised these topics in Abu Dhabi negotiations.
Echoing Kremlin talking points, the Foreign Minister declared that Russia's goals "remain unchanged and are not subject to any opportunistic compromises."
On Jan. 22, Putin’s aide Yuryi Ushakov stated that "without resolving the territorial issue according to the formula agreed upon in Anchorage, there is no point in counting on a long-term settlement."
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Moscow plans to discuss this so-called "Anchorage formula" in UAE talks but refused to clarify its specific terms.
The second round of trilateral negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. concluded in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 5. Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov described the talks as "truly constructive," thanking the U.S. and UAE for their mediation.
A communiqué released by the head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umerov, noted that the parties discussed methods for implementing a ceasefire and monitoring the cessation of hostilities.
On Feb. 9, the Kremlin issued a new manipulative statement regarding the peace process. Peskov asserted that a breakthrough is possible "only if the positions" agreed upon at the Anchorage meeting are strictly observed.
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