In a development that could reshape international dynamics around the Ukraine conflict, Russian Ambassador to the United Nations, Gennady Gatilov, stated that Russia would welcome peace negotiations facilitated by newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking to Reuters, Gatilov emphasized that any talks aimed at ending the conflict must account for the “realities on the ground,” referencing recent territorial changes in Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine.
Gatilov’s comments come amid anticipation over the potential shift in U.S. policy under Trump, who has frequently expressed criticism of the extensive Western support provided to Kyiv and signaled a desire for a rapid resolution to the war.
Trump, who has now secured the presidency, has promised a swift end to the conflict, a stance that has raised both hopes and concerns in global capitals, especially in Ukraine and across Europe, where leaders question the future of U.S. assistance to Kyiv.
Although Gatilov acknowledged Trump’s stated aim of ending the conflict “overnight,” he tempered expectations by admitting that such a rapid resolution would be impractical.
“Of course, we understand that will never happen,” he remarked, adding that Moscow would still view any attempt by Trump to initiate a political dialogue as a constructive step.
However, Gatilov underscored the need for negotiations to consider the current situation in Ukraine, noting the ongoing Russian advances and control over Ukrainian territories.
In Kyiv, the reaction to Trump’s election has been marked by heightened apprehension. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has long maintained that peace can only be achieved if Russian forces withdraw from all occupied Ukrainian territories, including Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.
Zelensky’s recently unveiled “victory plan” underscores this stance, emphasizing a complete restoration of Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty.
Additionally, Ukraine’s ongoing aspiration to join NATO—opposed staunchly by Russia—remains a contentious issue in diplomatic circles.
Last week, Zelensky addressed European leaders in Budapest, warning that making concessions to Russia would set a dangerous precedent for Europe as a whole.
“Any concessions would be unacceptable for Ukraine and disastrous for all of Europe,” he stated, reaffirming Kyiv’s firm resistance against any form of compromise on territorial integrity.
While the prospect of Trump’s involvement has led Moscow to cautiously consider renewed dialogue with Washington, Gatilov downplayed the likelihood of a broad reset in U.S.-Russia relations.
According to the ambassador, longstanding U.S. efforts to contain Russia are unlikely to dissipate, despite the change in leadership.
“A change in administration doesn’t necessarily mean a change in this approach,” he commented, adding that any feasible shift in relations would likely center on the resumption of direct dialogue, which has been minimal in recent years.
The outcome of Trump’s presidency, Gatilov suggested, could offer a unique opportunity for high-level discussions that might ease tensions, but only if the realities of the prolonged conflict are acknowledged.
Russia’s approach to potential negotiations, it seems, will hinge on whether Trump’s administration is willing to accept the current territorial situation in Ukraine as part of any settlement framework.
The international community will be closely monitoring Trump’s next steps regarding Ukraine, with the stakes high for Kyiv, Moscow, and the broader European security landscape. As Gatilov conveyed, Moscow is prepared to engage—but the terms remain deeply contentious.
Leave a Comment