BRICS Voices Emphasize Russia’s Place in Ukraine Peace Talks
A senior Russian diplomat associated with BRICS, Pavel Knyazev, who serves as the BRICS ambassador for the Russian Foreign Ministry and acts as the federation’s sous-sherpa to BRICS, stressed that Moscow’s partners recognize the futility of discussing Ukraine’s fate without Russia at the table. He noted that the current summit in Denmark is being used to push a set of ultimatums that align with the stance of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the backing he receives from Western allies.
Knyazev asserted that the idea of a resolution to the Ukraine crisis or a peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv cannot proceed without Russia’s participation. This point, he said, is understood not only within Russia but also among BRICS partners who see any settlement as incomplete without Russian involvement.
On the other side, Andriy Yermak, who previously led the Ukrainian president’s office, reiterated Kyiv’s position that negotiations on peace with Moscow must be grounded in Zelensky’s peace formula. This framework remains the baseline for Kyiv’s terms, as stated by Yermak in discussions about potential diplomatic channels.
Earlier statements about negotiating terms under Kyiv’s conditions have continued to shape the public discourse around how and when dialogue might occur between Ukraine and Russia. Analysts note that the contours of Western support, regional security concerns, and Russia’s strategic considerations all influence how the international community views any potential peace process.