As Russian and Ukrainian forces trade blows in the eastern Donbas region, prospects for peace appear dimmer than ever, despite hints of possible detente between Washington and Moscow.
“As for Ukraine, we have nothing to discuss with them [the United States],” Russia’s deputy foreign minister said on Nov. 18.
“There can be no dialogue or … talks since our views are polar opposites,” Sergey Ryabkov told Russian state media.
He added, however, that Moscow was open to the possibility of high-level talks with the United States to discuss issues pertaining to “strategic stability.”
People fill containers with water from public water pumps in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Oct. 31, 2022. (Sam Mednick/AP Photo)
“If the Americans show interest and readiness, we will not refuse,” Ryabkov said….