Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Sergei Ryabkov stated that the United States in its current position on the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine completely bypasses the need to address the underlying causes of the crisis. He reported this on April 1, 2025, at a press conference in Moscow, emphasizing that this approach of Washington requires serious adjustments. According to the diplomat, Russia does not intend to ignore this gap and will seek recognition from the American side of the key factors that led to the escalation of the situation. Ryabkov emphasized that without eliminating the root causes, any agreements risk becoming only a temporary measure that is unable to ensure long-term peace.

The Russian representative noted that Moscow is carefully studying the proposals coming from Washington regarding a settlement in Ukraine and treats them with due seriousness. However, he specified that Russia is not ready to accept them in the form in which they are submitted. According to Ryabkov, the American side demonstrates a desire for a quick ceasefire, but avoids discussing fundamental problems, such as NATO expansion to the east, violation of the rights of the Russian-speaking population of Ukraine and ignoring the Minsk agreements in the past. These aspects, according to Moscow, are an integral part of any sustainable solution, and without working through them, the negotiations are doomed to failure. Ryabkov emphasized that Russia insists on a comprehensive approach that would exclude the possibility of a resumption of the conflict in the future.

The statement by the Deputy Foreign Minister came amid ongoing contacts between Russia and the United States on the Ukrainian issue. Against the backdrop of Donald Trump's return to power in January 2025, Washington has stepped up efforts to find ways to de-escalate. In particular, in March, Reuters reported on a telephone conversation between Trump and Vladimir Putin, where the prospects for a temporary ceasefire were discussed. However, as The Washington Post notes, the American side has not yet put forward specific initiatives that would address the root causes of the conflict, which is what is causing criticism from Moscow. Ryabkov had previously, in February 2025, pointed out the need for the United States to "understand the root causes of the crisis," emphasizing that without this, the dialogue would remain superficial.