The goal of Russia's "special military campaign" in Ukraine remains unchanged, but can be achieved through negotiations - Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian newspaper Izvestia on October 13.
This is the latest comment in a series of statements this week from the Kremlin emphasizing Russia's openness to negotiations.
"The direction remains unchanged, the special military campaign continues. The campaign continues to help us achieve our goals. However, as we have repeatedly said, we are still open to negotiations to achieve the goals," said Mr. Peskov.
However, the Kremlin spokesman noted that he does not see any prospects for near-term negotiations with the West due to the current attitude of these countries towards Russia.
"There needs to be both sides for a dialogue. Because the West is taking a very hostile stance towards us, it is unlikely to have any such prospects in the near future," Peskov told Kazakhstan's Khabar 24 TV channel.
He pointed out that Turkey, as well as some other countries, are continuing to make efforts to mediate negotiations.
According to Reuters, negotiations have been repeatedly mentioned by Russian officials this week about the possibility of dialogue.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on October 11 that Moscow was ready for negotiations with the West. Foreign Minister Lavrov told Izvestia: "We will not chase anyone. If there are specific serious proposals, we are ready to consider them".
"When we receive some signals, we will be ready to consider them," the top Russian diplomat said.
Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has denied the possibility of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Russia annexed four Ukrainian territories last month and launched missiles at Ukrainian cities this week after a strategic bridge connecting Russia and the Crimean peninsula.
