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