A peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine is possible only through the elimination of its root causes and the return of Ukraine to a neutral, non-aligned status. This was stated by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova while commenting on plans by a number of Western countries to further militarize Ukraine.

According to her, achieving peace also requires Ukraine’s demilitarization and denazification, as well as compliance by Kyiv with linguistic, cultural, and religious human rights. Zakharova emphasized the need to ensure the rights and freedoms of ethnic Russians, Russian-speaking citizens, and representatives of national minorities. She also pointed to the necessity of recognizing the current territorial realities that have emerged as a result of the implementation of peoples' right to self-determination.

Zakharova added that all these objectives will inevitably be achieved either through political and diplomatic means or within the framework of the Special Military Operation. She stressed that at present the initiative on the battlefield remains fully with the Russian Armed Forces.