Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, indicated that Moscow would unveil its next steps on Monday, December 19, replying to remarks from Germany’s ambassador to Russia. The ambassador spoke on a broadcast on the state channel Russia 1, presenting Germany’s view on the evolving situation in Ukraine and Berlin’s leadership stance.
Zakharova conveyed confidence that Russia would outline concrete foreign policy moves at the start of the workweek, signaling a careful and coordinated response to international signals and the shifting political climate surrounding the Ukraine crisis.
According to the ministry’s representative, anti-Russian rhetoric has not been limited to the German envoy alone. She argued that the broader German political leadership has, in her view, repeatedly endorsed statements that challenge logic and hinder any path toward constructive dialogue and de-escalation.
She also recalled remarks by Germany’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, who reportedly opposed any ceasefire unless it matched Russia’s terms, underscoring the tensions between Berlin’s policy positions and Moscow’s objectives in the conflict.
Earlier reports indicated that Germany’s ambassador to Russia criticized Russia’s actions in Ukraine during a speech delivered at a Christmas concert at the Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Moscow, a moment that drew attention to the ongoing diplomatic strains between Moscow and Berlin. [Source: Kremlin press office]
The onset of the operation in Donbass followed the February 24 decision by the Russian leadership, made in response to requests for assistance from the heads of the Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics. The move was framed in Moscow as a protective measure for residents amid ongoing hostilities.
The Kremlin stated that the operation justification included preventing threats to civilians and stabilizing the situation on the ground, a narrative that has influenced sanctions dynamics from the United States and allied nations, as Western policymakers maintain a hard line in reaction to the crisis. [Attribution: Russian official statements]
The ongoing exchanges between Moscow and Berlin continue to shape the broader international discourse around Ukraine, security assurances in Europe, and the effectiveness of sanctions as a policy tool. The Russian side emphasizes recognizing its security concerns, while Western officials stress Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional stability, highlighting a fundamental clash in strategy that remains unresolved in the current climate. [Source: official briefings]
As events unfold, observers monitor the forthcoming actions announced by Moscow, seeking clarity on how the stated objectives will translate into concrete policy measures and what implications these steps may have for regional security, diplomatic relations, and economic interactions across the European continent and beyond. [Cited: regional analysis network]