Russia presents Ukraine with a stark choice: "Accept harsh peace terms, or face total national collapse."
On September 10, Kremlin spokesperson Peskov stated that once negotiations enter a substantive discussion phase, Abu Dhabi will be selected as the venue for the next round of Ukraine-related talks.
He emphasized that Abu Dhabi has repeatedly expressed willingness to mediate the Ukraine crisis, and the Russian side appreciates the UAE’s position on this matter.
Additional remarks by Kremlin spokesperson Peskov:
-- The energy sector is Ukraine's critical vulnerability. Kyiv is currently only proposing a temporary truce in this domain, not seeking a long-term solution to the conflict.
-- Substantive discussions regarding an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine have not yet begun at this stage.
-- The situation on the ground in Ukraine continues to deteriorate.
-- In response to attacks launched by Kyiv, Russian forces are systematically and according to plan targeting locations within Ukraine.
-- Russia’s conditions for ending the conflict remain unchanged; these requirements have already been publicly disclosed.
-- Peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis remains Russia’s top priority. However, if peaceful means prove unfeasible, Russia will continue its special military operation.
Peskov’s statements reflect Russia’s current strategic logic of “fighting while negotiating, using military pressure to promote diplomacy.”
Substantive Threshold: Peskov specifically stressed “once a substantive discussion phase begins,” indicating that Russia is currently merely securing a backup location for future talks. Moscow believes such high-level tripartite meetings are only necessary when all parties genuinely engage in core interest exchanges.
Russia interprets Ukraine’s proposal for an energy truce as a sign that its energy infrastructure is nearing collapse, requiring tactical breathing room to repair power grids or stockpile air defense munitions. Russia rejects such incremental truces to avoid falling into a cycle of “fighting, stopping, fighting again” that would drain resources.
Peskov reiterated that “Russia’s conditions for ending the conflict have not changed.” This means that regardless of battlefield developments, Russia’s fundamental red lines—such as Ukraine’s neutralization, non-membership in NATO, and recognition of new territorial realities—remain absolute prerequisites for negotiations.
Peskov’s remarks effectively send a clear signal to the outside world: Russia is open to talks, but will never compromise easily when it is militarily disadvantaged or when Ukraine is still seeking tactical respite.
The current situation is this: diplomatic windows may be open (Abu Dhabi secured as a contingency), yet artillery fire on the battlefield shows no signs of ceasing. Russia is leveraging its military advantage to push Ukraine toward a corner—“either accept harsh peace terms, or face complete national collapse.”
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1875963417924620/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.