Maria Zakharova: “All possible scenarios for putting an end to the Ukraine crisis must invariably take into account the national interests of the Russian Federation, while it makes no sense to discuss the overblown and exaggerated demands coming from Kiev and its European sponsors which do not reflect the reality on the ground”

Foreign Minister Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova
Photo: MFA

Foreign Minister Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova’s answers to questions from Izvestia on topical foreign policy matters.

Question: The United States has said that it intends to step up its diplomatic efforts to settle the Ukraine situation. Before that, Russia expressed its willingness to consider specific constructive proposals coming from Washington. Has an agreement on holding a new round of talks on the Ukraine settlement been reached at this point? Are there any ongoing consultations on when and where they could take place?

Maria Zakharova: We have been keeping a close eye on Washington’s position regarding the Ukraine settlement. So far, we have not received any specific proposals regarding new meetings with the American negotiators. It seems that the current developments in the Middle East are keeping them busy. There have been media reports every now and then about plans by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to visit Moscow. Of course, we are ready to arrange a meeting even within a very tight timeframe, but there have been no official requests to this effect.

In a recent statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio talked about the need to come up with new ideas regarding the Ukraine settlement. As far as Russia is concerned, we are ready to hear Washington’s constructive initiatives. At the same time, we would like to stress that all possible scenarios for putting an end to the Ukraine crisis must invariably take into account the national interests of the Russian Federation, while it makes no sense to discuss the overblown and exaggerated demands coming from Kiev and its European sponsors which do not reflect the reality on the ground.

As far as we can see and despite Washington’s assurances, Kiev keeps ignoring understandings on the priority steps for achieving peace as agreed during the 2025 Russia-US summit in Anchorage.

Not only does the Kiev regime demonstrate its total incapability to reach deals, but has also stepped up terrorist attacks targeting Russian civilians and civilian infrastructure. As long as this remains the case, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will offer a commensurate response to any emerging threats and continue the special military operation in an effort to fulfil the objectives as set out by President Vladimir Putin.

Escalation is not our choice. At the same time, we do understand that a lot will depend on whether the Kiev regime and its Western patrons are not just pretending but are actually ready to recognise reality and renounce the defective and dangerous illusion of achieving what they call Russia’s strategic defeat on the battlefield.

Making deals with Russia is always better than having to come to terms with the damage resulting from short-sighted Russia-hating policy afterwards.

Question: On July 23, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the normalisation of the operating conditions of the diplomatic missions of Russia and the United States, agreeing to continue contacts through the foreign ministries. Has the date of the next round of Russian-American consultations on normalising the operations of the diplomatic missions been agreed? Is consideration being given to the possibility of resuming the operations of at least one of the closed Russian Consulates General in the United States and US Consulates General in Russia before the end of this year?

Maria Zakharova: Since the inception of the dialogue on eliminating so-called “irritants” in February 2025, at the instruction of the presidents of Russia and the United States, bilateral meetings have been convened on a regular basis through the respective channels of the Foreign Ministry and the State Department. The objective remains the resolution of the numerous issues that have accumulated within Russian-American relations. We consistently and unequivocally raise the imperative of moving beyond significant, albeit technical, issues relating to the operations of diplomatic missions, towards addressing breakthrough objectives, such as the restitution of confiscated Russian diplomatic property and the resumption of direct air services. Despite the progress achieved in restoring the full operational capacity of the diplomatic missions, it has not yet proven possible to fully resume the operations of our Embassy and Co

For our part – as agreed during the discussions between Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Manila on July 23 – we remain prepared to continue our engagement with our American counterparts nsulates General. This is attributable to the protracted nature of the negotiations and divergences in our respective approaches. It must also be recognised that the restoration of eroded trust constitutes a formidable undertaking.. Our aim is to progress towards a substantive discussion of those matters that represent priorities for us, the resolution of which will prove essential to the successful and comprehensive normalisation of bilateral relations.

Regarding the specific logistics of the “irritants” meetings themselves, in accordance with a gentleman’s agreement reached with the American side, we refrain from publicising such meetings, considering it essential to conduct this dialogue discreetly. What can be confirmed at present is that the timing of the next engagement is currently under consideration.

Question: On September 20, elections to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation will be held. The Foreign Ministry earlier reported on the challenges in organising the vote by Russian nationals in several unfriendly countries. In what countries has Russia encountered rejection and other obstacles on behalf of local authorities when organising the vote?

Maria Zakharova: Due to unfriendly actions on behalf of the United States and the EU, some 30 consular offices have been closed in these countries in the past few years. During the election campaign in 2024, the EU, almost in its entirety and with rare exceptions, told our embassies they would not permit elections outside foreign missions, which, coupled with the continuous threat of anti-Russia provocations in these countries and lack of due security, prevents us from organising early offsite voting. Furthermore, the unprecedented mass expulsion of Russian diplomats by the West has negatively affected the process of forming election commissions at embassies.

Since the imposition of harsh visa restrictions by the European Union and prohibition of flights by Russian airlines, the mechanism we earlier used to assist embassies in forming election commissions by sending staff from Moscow has been considerably encumbered. We plan to send over 200 workers from the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry to help the commissions formed by Russian foreign missions. However, we have assigned less than ten to assist in the EU countries. There is no certainty that they will be issued visas.

The unlawful restrictions imposed by the United States and the EU on the financial transactions of Russian foreign missions have significantly complicated the financing of the electoral process abroad, including production of information materials, procurement of equipment, lease of premises, security, and other expenses.

We have noted that several countries, such as the UK, the Netherlands, Finland and France, attempt to rock the boat by provoking yet another wave of Russophobic hysteria in the media around the upcoming elections, which is aimed at delegitimising the results of the vote. We don’t rule out that this sort of media campaigns can further complicate the already stormy situation around the polling stations and drive negatively predisposed Russian nationals residing in those countries to stage rallies before or on the voting day.

In violation of their international human rights obligations and counter to the loud claims of commitment to democracy, the authorities in some Western countries are trying to influence the Russians residing there to prevent them from expressing their will. The Baltic states are particularly eager in this endeavour. Latvia introduced an ID check for all visitors of the Russian Embassy. We can't help but recall the negative incidents in 2024 when, following such checks by local police at the embassy, some of our fellow nationals had to face serious problems and even deportation under the pretext of their residence permit expiration.

Question: Russia sent Venezuela humanitarian aid after the destructive earthquakes in the country. Russia also declared its readiness to continue supporting Venezuela in overcoming the consequences of this natural disaster. Are Moscow and Caracas discussing a targeted state loan, a non-repayable grant or other direct financing tools on behalf of the Russian Federation for the restoration of destroyed residential areas and industrial zones?

Maria Zakharova: Russia immediately responded to the tragedy that fell upon the friendly Venezuela on June 24 – the destructive double earthquake. As per President Putin’s instruction, 35 tonnes of humanitarian aid for the population of Venezuela were delivered to Caracas.

Russia has supplied tents for temporary shelter, as well as food, medications and other essentials that may be necessary in this critical situation. Sanitary and epidemiological control specialists were sent to the republic. Several Russian companies have also joined in providing humanitarian assistance for Venezuela alongside our government agencies.

We maintain close contact with our Venezuelan friends and, if required, provide additional assistance and support in alleviating the consequences of that natural disaster.

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