TASS: Russia to strongly object to changes to Ukraine peace plan — Kremlin aide

Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov (right)

Moscow will strongly object if proposals developed by Kiev and Brussels are included in the peace plan to resolve the conflict, Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov said, TASS reports.

Speaking with TV reporter Pavel Zarubin, he pointed out that Moscow had not seen the proposals yet. "However, we will strongly object if the relevant amendments are made," Ushakov noted, adding: "It’s because we have made our position very clear."

According to him, Russia was likely to object "to many provisions." "There may be some provisions that are completely unacceptable for us, including those related to territorial issues," the Kremlin aide pointed out.

When asked if it was about a demilitarized zone in the Donetsk People’s Republic, he said: "Not only that."

"The issue of territories was actively discussed here in Moscow. The Americans are not only aware of but also understand our position. I don’t know what will be put on paper after these consultations but it’s unlikely to be anything positive," Ushakov concluded.

Vladimir Zelensky will never be able to take Crimea back or secure NATO membership for Ukraine, Yury Ushakov told TV reporter Pavel Zarubin.

"He won't be able to achieve any of that. As for [taking back] Crimea, it’s ironclad; there’s a one million percent guarantee that it’s impossible. And as for [Ukraine joining] NATO, I think there is also a one million percent guarantee that it won’t happen," he noted.

Earlier, US President Doanld Trump told Politico in an interview that Zelensky had asked for two things at a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in France back in 2019, saying: "I want Crimea back and we’re gonna be a member of NATO".

Vladimir Zelensky has begun discussing elections in Ukraine under pressure from Washington, Yury Ushakov told Pavel Zarubin.

US President Donald Trump said in an interview with Politico that the time had come to hold presidential elections in Ukraine. Following this, Zelensky announced his readiness to do so.

"He also started talking about the elections under pressure from his US colleagues. What a double-dealing," Ushakov said, commenting on the situation.

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