Denis Kravchenko sets out position on Ukraine peace talks

State Duma lawmaker Denis Kravchenko told Lenta.ru on October 9 that he did not currently see conditions for an agreement to settle the conflict in Ukraine.

The lawmaker said Russia was prepared to discuss ending the conflict, but argued that Kyiv and European representatives were not showing the willingness needed to reach an agreement. He attributed the lack of prospects for talks to their position. His remarks represent his assessment rather than an explanation of the obstacles to peace agreed upon by the parties.

Kravchenko advocated a comprehensive agreement that would provide a lasting settlement. He regarded a temporary ceasefire or a pause in fighting as insufficient, arguing that either could lead to another escalation. He said discussions should take place on an equal footing and take Russian interests into account.

His comments followed statements by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The Kremlin had previously said it agreed with the assessment that no clear prospects for a diplomatic settlement were visible. Kravchenko's statement does not itself announce the cancellation of diplomatic contacts or a new decision concerning negotiations.