On Aug. 21 Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov said Moscow is open to
dialogue with the US on Ukraine but will not sacrifice its principled positions.
He said Washington has shown a willingness to engage constructively and to
understand Russia’s stance, but the key issue is whether Washington can
influence Kyiv and its European backers, who still “fantasize about forcing a
strategic defeat on Russia.” Ryabkov added US Secretary of State Rubio has
called for new proposals; Russia is willing to hear them, though openness to
talks does not imply yielding on core principles.
