A ceasefire in Ukraine that fails to address the root causes of the conflict could lead to a renewed and intensified crisis, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned on Monday.

In an interview with Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency, Ryabkov expressed skepticism over U.S. efforts to push for an immediate cessation of hostilities. He argued that such a move, without a broader and more durable resolution, could exacerbate tensions in the long run.

“The U.S. seems eager to push for a quick ceasefire,” Ryabkov stated. “But as we have emphasized in Riyadh and before, stopping the fighting without tackling the deeper issues will only set the stage for a more severe conflict—one that could further strain Russia-U.S. relations. That is not an outcome we want.”

The Russian diplomat stressed the importance of a comprehensive solution, asserting that the crisis stems from decades of what he described as “destructive” policies by the United States and certain European nations toward Eastern Europe and Ukraine. He justified Russia’s military operation, launched three years ago, as an inevitable response to these longstanding geopolitical tensions.

“A ceasefire alone is not a solution,” Ryabkov said. “President Vladimir Putin has outlined our stance and priorities, and our senior representatives conveyed this position clearly in Riyadh.”

Ryabkov’s comments followed high-level talks between Russian and U.S. officials in Riyadh on Tuesday—the first direct negotiations between the two nations since the Ukraine conflict erupted. While Washington appears to be prioritizing an immediate halt to hostilities, Moscow’s insistence on addressing broader security concerns signals continued obstacles to achieving a swift resolution to the war. (ILKHA)