The diplomat’s remark responds to the statements issued by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who conditioned the resumption of peace negotiations so that Russia returns to its pre-February 24 positions and withdraws its troops.

He also recalled that Kiev actively participated in the negotiations practically since the first day of the special military operation and did not impose any conditions.

Earlier, the Ukrainian leader stated in an interview to Japanese NHK channel that Kiev would sit down at the negotiation table with Moscow after it returns its lost territories when the military operation began.

On May 23, Rudenko stated that his country is ready to resume talks with Ukraine as soon as Kiev shows a constructive stance and gives an answer to Moscow’s proposals.

Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine on February 24, after the authorities of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics requested help to repel the increase in aggression and the heavy air strikes from Kiev.

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