Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova’s answer to a media question regarding Vladimir Zelensky’s statements

Question: Yesterday, Vladimir Zelensky whose presidential term expired on May 20, held a news conference with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen during which he stressed the need to strengthen Ukraine as far as possible so that the second “peace summit” could be held already in 2024. According to Vladimir Zelensky, it could take place as early as November 2024 with Russian representatives present. How would you comment on this statement?

Maria Zakharova: Statements by the “expired” Zelensky reflect nothing more than wishful thinking. Russian representatives did not take part in any meetings during the “Burgenstock process,” nor do they intend to in the future. This process has nothing to do with a peace settlement and represents yet another instance of deceit by the Anglo-Saxons and their Ukrainian puppets. The so-called second summit pursues the same goal: to enforce the completely unviable “Zelensky formula” as the sole basis (which apparently has no alternative) for resolving the conflict, persuading the Global Majority to support this formula while presenting Russia with an ultimatum demanding its surrender. We will not take part in these summits. However, we do not reject the resolution of the crisis through political and diplomatic means. We are open to discussing serious proposals that take into account the situation on the ground and emerging geopolitical realities, as well as the relevant initiative put forth by President of Russia Vladimir Putin on June 14. Achieving a fair and stable peace settlement is impossible without Russia and consideration of its interests.

However, Kiev and the West are not thinking about peace. They need war. This is confirmed by the gangster-style incursion into the Kursk Region by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as by Zelensky’s persistent pleas for permission to carry out strike deep inside Russian territory using NATO’s long-range weapons. This constitutes a continuation of terrorist attacks against our country. We will not engage in dialogue with terrorists.