Russian diplomat says Moscow 'in preparatory phase' for Ukraine negotiations

Speaking on the sidelines of the 3d Russia-Africa forum in Moscow, Ryabkov said discussions about a possible meeting in Abu Dhabi are premature.

“By and large, we are still in the preparation phase,” he said.

He added that Moscow hoped intensive dialogue with the administration of US President Donald Trump would help pave the way for a lasting settlement that addresses the root causes of the conflict, including security concerns and the rights of Russian-speaking people and the Russian Orthodox Church.

According to him, Moscow did not expect the upcoming US congressional elections to fundamentally change Washington’s approach to Russia, claiming that an anti-Russian consensus had become entrenched across party lines in the US.

However, some Americans favored peace and cooperation and viewed Russia as a potential significant partner, he said.

Turning to the Russia-Africa cooperation, he said Western sanctions would not deter Russia from expanding cooperation with African countries, BRICS members and partners across Eurasia.

He urged France to focus on its domestic challenges rather than criticize Russia’s ties with African nations, arguing that Western countries had struggled to accept the growing independence of former colonies in choosing international partners.

He also warned about the spread of weapons and militant activity from Ukraine into African countries.