By Adnan Türkkan
Rodion Miroshnik, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Special Representative for Kyiv, answered questions from Adnan Türkkan, the Ankara Representative of Ulusal Kanal of Türkiye.
In the interview at the Russian House in Ankara, Türkkan asked Miroshnik about key issues concerning the war in Ukraine, the latest developments regarding peace efforts, Türkiye’s position, the stance of the US and Europe, and Russia’s expectations.
We present the interview translated into English.
Mr. Rodion Miroshnik, thank you for accepting our interview request. We have now entered the third year of the war in Ukraine. How close are we to peace?
The international agenda is changing day by day. Keeping up with global developments is not easy, so it is difficult to determine how close we are to peace. However, our soldiers have managed to reclaim 90% of our territory that was under Kiev’s control.
Preconditions for peace
What are Russia’s expectations for sitting at the negotiating table for peace?
Russia had previously defined its fundamental principles for ending the war. The reason for the start of the special military operation was the Western-funded and Western-armed threat to the Russian Federation in Ukrainian territory. For ending the special military operation, Russia sees the following as necessary: the complete demilitarization of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the restriction or even elimination of any foreign military assistance to Ukraine. Moreover, if Ukraine and the Kiev regime abandon certain neo-Nazi ideologies, cease violating fundamental human rights and stop enacting laws that are illegitimate and inhumane, then of course, Russia would consider a diplomatic and democratic resolution with Ukraine.
Currently, Ukraine’s situation can be described as a dictatorship. Forcing its own citizens into military mobilization is a violation of fundamental human rights. This is no secret, everyone knows that. Now it is clear that while Russia favors peace and is willing to take steps toward resolution, Ukraine continues to arm and mobilize its people.
“We highly value Türkiye’s stance”
I would like to ask about Türkiye’s position. Recently, Zelensky was in Ankara and met with President Erdoğan. Shortly afterward, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov also visited Ankara. During this process, Türkiye declared that it was ready to mediate. How does Russia view this?
We highly value Türkiye’s stance between the two countries. The negotiations held in Istanbul three years ago were beneficial for both sides. Of course, where and how negotiations take place is an important issue. Security, geopolitical positioning and other factors are crucial important. At the moment, significant preparations are underway.
Of course we know why Zelensky visited Ankara. Together with his Western partners, he is striving to secure funding for the war, military aid and ammunition support. Zelensky might cooperate with any country or entity that can assist him in continuing Ukraine’s military operations.
When you consider the course of the war, where do you think Türkiye stands? Which side is it closer to?
I do not think it would be appropriate to comment on a country with which we have good relations in terms of “taking sides”. We hold Türkiye in high regard. Politically, economically and even culturally, there are friendly interactions between our two nations. For us, the crucial point is which steps Türkiye chooses to support.
Ukraine’s admission to NATO: Out of the question
Recently Zelensky said, “If Ukraine is accepted into NATO, I am ready to resign”. How do you evaluate these words?
Zelensky and his team often make radical statements that provoke reactions, but none of these statements usually come to fruition. Based on his past career, he may be making such remarks to remind people of his previous career.
At this moment, we have no information regarding Ukraine’s accession to NATO, especially with Trump’s new administration and decisions.
After President Donald Trump’s statements on Ukraine, have there been any countries in Europe that have reduced their support for Ukraine?
Countries that follow Washington’s words know that their aid to Ukraine will lead to bloodshed, brutality and deaths in the region.
The countries you are asking about can be categorized as those participating in the European summit discussions. For example, France continues to talk about its so-called “peaceful policies”. Yet, the next day, we see that their actions contradict their words. They continue to finance Ukraine and send aid. The anti-Russian policies of other countries are also quite clear.
Risk of sabotage
Do you see the risk of any sabotage to peace negotiations? Could Ukraine or any European country sabotage it?
Actually, we are already seeing some actions from Ukraine in the area of the special military operation, like the drone attack on the Chernobyl area, that are completely against international law and the rules of war. This is an attempt to sabotage peace negotiations. We believe that this is the result of talks between Russia and the US.
The attack on Ukraine’s nuclear energy plant was not an attack carried out by Russia. These types of actions, these sabotages, are being organized to blame Russia. The drone attacks on the city of Suca in the Kursk region were similarly organized by them, again to blame Russia. We know that possible attacks in Kiev, especially on historical sites, on streets and civilian areas, will have a much greater impact.
“We speak the same diplomatic language”
In the event of a permanent peace, how would this affect Turkish-Russian relations?
If the war ends, the money that had been spent to the war could be allocated to the economy and development, which may increase the level of cooperation between the two countries. Trade routes could develop. As long as weapons are being transported to Ukraine through the Black Sea, it will not be possible for either country to live in comfort. Moscow and Ankara share the same views and perspectives on the establishment of permanent peace.
Mr. Lavrov has met with both Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and President Erdogan. What kind of differences in perspective emerged during these meetings?
The Russian and Turkish governments speak the same diplomatic language. The friendship is growing every day. The two countries understand each other. Cooperation in strategic, commercial and scientific fields continue to develop. Both sides are aware of processes that will benefit the other and are mindful of the other’s interests. Although our native languages are different, we share a common understanding.
We are in Ankara, the capital of Türkiye. What would you like to say to the Turkish people?
First of all, I am grateful for the opportunity to be in Türkiye. I am thankful for the chance to explain the facts about Russia’s special military operation and for being able to establish normal dialogues with Türkiye.