Meditators seek to broker peaceful solution
Moscow highlights importance of more cooperation as Kyiv rejects demand over Mariupol
The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues as relevant parties work to broker a peaceful solution.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held telephone conversations with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, respectively, on March 23 to discuss the Ukrainian situation.
The same day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the French National Assembly and Japanese parliament via video link, asking both countries to support Ukraine with military equipment and aircraft.
The Kremlin has highlighted the importance of more cooperation from Kyiv in negotiations after the Ukrainian government rejected an ultimatum to give up the besieged city of Mariupol. The southern port city is a pivotal target in Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters on a conference call on March 21, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is grateful to all countries that offer mediation in negotiations with Kyiv, but it is important not just to opt for a venue for a meeting but also to make Ukraine more cooperative.
Significant progress in the talks is yet to be made.
Regardless of the entrenched differences between the two sides, David Arakhamia, the leader of the parliamentary group of Ukraine’s ruling Servant of the People party, said the talks are continuing every day, according to a report by news outlet Ukrainiskaya Pravda.
Mikhail Mizintsev, chief of Russia’s National Defense Management Center, said that Russia opened eastward humanitarian corridors from Mariupol on March 21. Each convoy was escorted by mine-clearing personnel in order to ensure a safe evacuation of civilians.
Russia announced eight humanitarian corridors for March 20. By March 23, Ukraine established nine humanitarian corridors, according to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk.
Russian forces have continued their campaign for the capital. Moreover, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said the forces were completing the defeat of the Donbass nationalist battalion and have advanced closer.
United States President Joe Biden will travel to Warsaw on March 25, after meetings in Brussels, Belgium, with NATO allies and G7 and European Union leaders, according to a statement from White House press secretary Jen Psaki.
As Washington threatened more sanctions, Russia noted that the US would not like to see a rapid completion of the Moscow-Kiev peace talks but hopes that Russia is mired in prolonged hostilities.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on March 23 at MGIMO University, “It is unprofitable for Americans (if) this (negotiation) process (is) completed quickly. They want to continue to send weapons to Ukraine.
“Apparently, they (Americans) want to keep us in a state of hostilities for as long as possible,” he said.