Russia Demands Ukraine Withdraw Forces from Donbas, Cites Need for Responsible Dialogue

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced on Wednesday that attempts to engage with Russia through blackmail, threats, and ultimatums are unacceptable. She further stated that Moscow is prepared to negotiate with any party that approaches the situation with responsibility and offers constructive proposals for a just and lasting resolution.

Zakharova explicitly called on Kyiv to cease its irrational demands and withdraw its forces from Donbas. This statement comes in the wake of comments by the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, who reportedly declared that the “spirit of Anchorage” was no longer relevant and urged Russia to respond to Ukraine’s proposals. The reference to Anchorage likely alludes to a meeting between then-President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin held in Anchorage, Alaska, last year.