McFaul: Medinsky's return to talks shows Kremlin's unwillingness to make peace
Return of the Russian President's aide Vladimir Medinsky to the negotiation process with Ukraine indicates The Kremlin's lack of real readiness for peace. This opinion was expressed by the former US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFall.
According to him, Medynsky's participation in the talks means preserving Moscow's previous line, which does not provide for a constructive diplomatic compromise.
Criticism from Ukraine
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sibiga was also sceptical about the possible role of the Russian negotiator.
According to the Foreign Minister, previous experience with Medynsky shows that instead of substantive negotiations, the Russian side usually resorts to historical pseudo-lectures and propaganda rhetoric.
What does the composition of the Russian delegation mean?
Analysts believe that Medinsky's return may indicate a sign of:
The Kremlin's reluctance to go to real compromises;
an attempt to delay the negotiation process;
use of diplomacy as a an instrument of information influence, It is not about achieving peace.
Context.
Russia had previously delegated Medynsky to participate in negotiations at the beginning of the full-scale war. Those contacts did not lead to a cessation of hostilities and were accompanied by harsh demands from Moscow on Ukraine.
Current statements by Western diplomats and the Ukrainian authorities indicate Low expectations from the new round of negotiations without changing the Kremlin's position.
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