Russian official claims Moscow is looking to end the war

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“Russia is looking to reach a political and diplomatic agreement to end fighting, as soon as possible,” said Patrushev.

“However, Ukraine has put a hold on further talks with Russia.”

He claimed that negotiations were paused “on instructions from the United States and the UK.”

There is no evidence that this is true.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on June 14 said he’s ready for peace talks with the Kremlin, but only if Russia agrees to an immediate ceasefire.

Read also: Poll shows over 80% of Ukrainians are not prepared to make territorial concessions to achieve peace

“We know what we’re doing, of that I’m certain; we’re ready to talk only when the other side is ready to put an end to the war,” said Zelensky.

“It’s devastating to keep losing people, but we will lose everything if we give in to Russia in this war.”

Read also: Russia outnumbers Ukraine, but defenders still stand a chance — Zelensky