Ukrainian authorities have signaled to Moscow that they are ready to negotiate. However, Russia's response was ominous: we will achieve our military goals.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism about possible diplomatic progress during his Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba's trip to Russia's ally China. “There is a clear signal that China supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine,” Zelensky said, as quoted by focus.de.
China is Russia's most important ally. Therefore, Beijing is believed to have a large influence on decisions in Moscow. Zelensky praised China for keeping President Xi Jinping's promise not to supply arms to Russia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was skeptical of Kiev's expressed desire to talk peace. Russia will fully fulfill its military objectives, he said. “Whether through special military operations or through negotiations, we have no alternative to achieving our goals. And we will certainly catch up with them”, said Peskov.
Of course, the negotiation path is preferable, but the talks are made difficult by the fact that Zelensky has no legitimacy as the president of Ukraine, he once again stated. He sees Kiev's attempts to promote a diplomatic solution through Beijing as a plight for Ukraine.
What are Moscow's military goals? Russia now openly admits that it started the war against Ukraine with the aim of annexing as much territory as possible. Currently, 1/5 of Ukraine is occupied by the Russian army. Vladimir Putin has asked Kiev to officially renounce NATO membership, as well as its lands. And former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev pointed out that the Russian army will not stop until it takes over the entire country.
Ukrainian and Western officials rejected the idea that Russia was ready for good faith talks. They describe the Kremlin's frequent statements on the matter as a propaganda ploy intended to mask Moscow's determination to force Ukraine to capitulate.