Russia’s deputy FM meets with Turkish ambassador to discuss Ukraine
Turkish and Russian flags together. (AA Photo)
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin met with Turkish Ambassador to Russia Tanju Bilgic on Aug. 19 at the ambassador’s request, to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Russia rules out political, diplomatic settlement with Ukraine
During the meeting, Galuzin strongly condemned what he referred to as a “barbaric terrorist raid” conducted by armed formations of the Ukraine in Russia’s Kursk region.
He emphasized that, given the current circumstances, any discussions with Kyiv regarding the prospects for a political and diplomatic settlement are off the table.
Galuzin also noted that discussions on energy and food security and humanitarian aspects related to the situation in Ukraine cannot proceed. He criticized efforts by Western nations to push these issues forward as part of the outcomes from the “peace summit” on Ukraine held in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, in June.
The Russian minister reiterated Moscow’s stance against the “Burgenstock process” describing it as an attempt to form an anti-Russian coalition and to present Russia with ultimatums based on what he termed the “unworkable and discredited ‘Zelenskyy formula.'”
The Burgenstock process refers to the June 2024 Ukraine peace summit, which was a global gathering aimed at discussing and exploring potential avenues for peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. However, Russia was not present at the summit.
Russia’s diplomatic initiative ignored
Galuzin pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s initiative from June 14 had provided Kyiv with a genuine opportunity to pursue a political and diplomatic resolution to the conflict. However, he criticized the Kyiv regime for irresponsibly ignoring this chance.
Russia urges Türkiye to reconsider Western involvement
The deputy minister also highlighted Russia’s position on the inadmissibility of further Western military support to Ukraine. He argued that such support only escalates the conflict, prolongs it, and leads to unnecessary loss of life.
Galuzin urged Türkiye to reconsider its participation in what he described as the “destructive policy” of the collective West.
Despite the tensions, both sides expressed their commitment to further developing constructive relations between Russia and Türkiye.
