Zakharova: We Are Always in Favor of Diplomacy

NaDa Mustafa

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday that Moscow is always ready for talks with Washington, after the Russian decision to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics.

"Even in the most difficult times… we say we are ready for the negotiation process," Zakharova said when asked if the decision affected plans for a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his American counterpart, Antony Blenkin.

"So, our position remains the same. We are ready for a negotiating process," She affirmed, noting, "We are always in favor of diplomacy."

The US Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said on Tuesday that Washington intends to impose new sanctions against Russia after its decision to recognize the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk, in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region.

“The US will impose sanctions on Russia, on Tuesday, for this clear violation of international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” Thomas said during the UN Security Council emergency meeting in Ukraine.

“We can, will, and must stand united in our calls for Russia to withdraw its forces, return to the diplomatic table, and work toward peace," she added.

On Monday, the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, signed a decree as he recognized the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region.

In an address broadcast on state-run television, Putin said: "I believe it is necessary to take a long-overdue decision to immediately recognize the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Lugansk People’s Republic."

Following the hour-long speech, Putin stated that if Ukraine did not "immediately" end military operations in its eastern regions, Kyiv would hold "all responsibility for the possible continuation of bloodshed."

The Russian leader has previously stated that there are no prospects for implementing the 2015 Minsk peace accord to end the conflict with Ukraine.