Russian Deputy FM: U.S. Must Act First to Repair Relations

The United States must take the first step in mending ties with Russia, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Wednesday, accusing Washington of past failures to engage with Moscow and attempting to inflict a "strategic defeat" on Russia.

Ryabkov stated that Russia had long sought cooperation with the West but was repeatedly ignored. In a statement on the Russian Foreign Ministry website, he argued that past U.S. policies aimed at weakening Russia had failed, and now Washington must take the initiative to normalise relations.

Tensions between Russia and the U.S. have reached historic lows since the war in Ukraine began, but following Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the Kremlin has signalled a willingness to engage. Russian President Vladimir Putin has described Trump as "pragmatic" and expressed interest in an early meeting.

Ryabkov insisted that Russia remains "open to dialogue" but said negotiations must reflect "realities on the ground," referring to Russia's control over parts of Ukrainian territory. Putin has also questioned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s legitimacy as a negotiating partner.

While Trump has pledged to end the Ukraine war quickly, no formal contacts have been established between Moscow and Washington. However, two Russian sources told Reuters that Saudi Arabia and the UAE are under consideration as possible venues for a future Putin-Trump summit later this year.

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