Moscow’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva told reporters on Thursday that Russia would be open to engaging in peace negotiations if initiated by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, but that such discussions must reflect the realities of Russia’s territorial gains.
“Trump promised to settle the Ukrainian crisis overnight. OK, let him try. But we are realistic people of course we understand that this will never happen,” said Gennady Gatilov, Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva.
According to Reuters, Gatilov emphasized that any negotiations must take into account the “realities on the ground,” pointing to Ukraine’s weakened position in the ongoing conflict, with Russian forces now controlling one-fifth of the country.
Trump has frequently criticized the extent of Western aid to Kyiv and pledged to resolve the conflict quickly, though he has not detailed his approach. His victory in the Nov. 5 presidential election has raised concerns in Kyiv and among European allies about the future level of U.S. support for Ukraine.
Gatilov suggested that Trump’s election could provide a new opportunity for dialogue between the two nations, though he expressed skepticism about a broader reset in U.S.-Russia relations, echoing earlier remarks from the Kremlin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has maintained that peace is unattainable unless all Russian forces are expelled and territories seized by Moscow, including Crimea, are returned. His “victory plan,” unveiled last month, includes these demands as well as a push for NATO membership—a move Russia has long opposed. Speaking to European leaders in Budapest last week, Zelenskiy asserted that concessions to Russia would be “unacceptable for Ukraine and suicidal for all of Europe.”
