(Reuters) – Russia will not end its military campaign in Ukraine even if Kyiv gives up joining NATO, said former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council.
Dmitry Medvedev, close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, indicated that Russia was ready to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky, under certain conditions.
“It is now vital (that Kyiv) give up joining the transatlantic alliance, but that will not be enough to establish peace,” said Dmitry Medvedev in an interview with LCI.
Russia will continue its military campaign until it has achieved its objectives, said the former Russian president.
Russia and Ukraine had conducted negotiations after the start of the Russian invasion, but they broke down and it seems unlikely that they will resume.
“(The talks) will depend on the evolution of the situation. We were already ready to meet (Volodimir Zelensky)”, declared Dmitry Medvedev.
(Report Ronald Popeski; French version Camille Raynaud)