The U.S. State Department has denied reports suggesting that the United States has pressured Ukraine to participate in peace talks with Russia.
Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters, according to The Kyiv Independent, that any negotiations are a matter for Ukraine. “We are not aware of any conversations with Ukraine about negotiations outside the peace formula,” Patel said to reporters, referring to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s 10-point plan for ending the war. Additionally, Patel indicated that the USA does not expect Russia to engage in peace talks. “The Kremlin has no interest in negotiations or ending this war, and we are committed to supporting our Ukrainian partners,” he said.
Zelensky’s peace formula calls for the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from the illegally occupied Ukrainian territories and the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. “If Russia kills all of us, they will attack NATO countries, and you will send your sons and daughters. And it will — I’m sorry, but the price will be higher,” the President said.
Image: Kremlin.ru, CC BY 4.0, Vladimir Putin (2023-09-30).jpg, via Wikimedia Commons (Image size changed)
.jpg){kind=link}