US to blame for blocking peace talks on Ukraine: Russia

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said Washington’s pursuit of a strategic military defeat of Moscow “on the battlefield” constitutes an obstacle to the possibility of peace talks on Ukraine.

“This is a principled stance by the US administration which not simply thinks about but made it its mission - the necessity of not simply achieving results but a strategic defeat of our country on the battlefield,” Zakharova said in an interview on the sidelines of the Second Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, TASS news agency reported on Saturday.

The United States is reaping huge profits from the war in Ukraine, she insisted, adding, “Because the conflict allows them to avoid discussing their own pertinent problems. Because the conflict for them is the opportunity to resolve their issues by introducing this chaos to global geopolitical affairs.”

“There are objective factors connected to the West and Kiev regime’s position which is implementing precisely the Western agenda,” Zakharova added.

Zakharova also thanked the African leaders for their efforts to mediate the issue.

“So, on the sidelines of the [Russia-Africa] Summit, as you know, words ‘peace’ and ‘peace initiative’ were heard from the Africans. I know that relevant meetings took place. We are grateful for this genuine sincere interest,” she said.

Zakharova echoed remarks made by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Putin: Russia not rejecting talks on Ukraine, African leaders' initiative could be basis for peace

Putin says his country does not reject talks on Ukraine war, noting that an initiative offered by African leaders could serve as a basis for peace.

Putin said on Saturday that Moscow did not oppose the idea of holding talks on the war in Ukraine, confirming the initiative set forth by the African leaders could serve as a basis for peace processes in the ex-Soviet state.

In June, an African delegation led by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa traveled first to Ukraine and then to Russia to mediate the war in Ukraine.

The delegation -- which, besides Ramaphosa, included Comoros President Azali Assoumani, who currently heads the African Union, as well as the presidents of Senegal, and Zambia, in addition to Egypt’s prime minister and top envoys from the Republic of Congo and Uganda -- arrived in Russia’s second-largest city after their visit to Ukraine, where they held talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on June 16.

Ramaphosa said he put forward to the Russians a 10-point “initiative in search of peace” but said the group’s proposals were “not in competition” with others that have been presented, likely referring to plans put forth by Zelenskiy that demand a Russian withdrawal from all Ukrainian territory.

He said African leaders “recognize the sovereignty of nations and countries in accordance with the UN Charter that must be respected.”

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