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Russia has shown no readiness to compromise and continues its aggression against Ukraine, according to Lt Col Joby Rimmer, Senior Military Advisor at the UK Delegation to the OSCE.
Rimmer made this statement during a meeting of the Forum for Security Cooperation in Vienna on Thursday, Ukrinform reports.
“There is no evidence of a Russian willingness to compromise. Russia spoke of being ‘open to reasonable initiatives to achieve a peaceful resolution.’ But when examining the options available, Moscow has chosen a path of aggression, regardless of the catastrophic loss of life on both sides. There is no sense of reason. This is not a ‘special military operation.’ It is a full-scale invasion and occupation attempt, a blatant violation of international law, and a direct challenge to global stability,” Rimmer said.
He emphasized that despite immense challenges, Ukraine continues “to demonstrate an unbreakable spirit and an unyielding commitment to its sovereignty, freedom, and the rules-based international order.”
Rimmer also dismissed claims by the Russian delegation at the OSCE that Russia owned “the strategic initiative along the entire line of contact,” pointing out that Ukrainian forces continue to hold their ground, not only defending their homeland but also reclaiming and securing additional territory, including in Kursk.
“No one desires peace more than Ukraine. The Ukrainian people have suffered relentless bombardment and forced displacement, and we see the UN reports of war crimes committed by Russian forces. Yet peace must be just and sustainable. A truly just and lasting peace means one that respects the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act. Ukraine cannot be expected to surrender its sovereignty or accept a dictated settlement that rewards Russian aggression,” he said.
Rimmer stressed that Russia must withdraw its troops from all of Ukraine’s sovereign territory.
“Any peace that fails to hold Russia accountable will only invite further aggression – not just against Ukraine, but against other nations that dare to assert their independence,” he added.
On February 12, U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they discussed Ukraine. Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for about an hour, discussing peace efforts, cooperation, and technological opportunities.
Trump described both conversations as “very good and positive,” emphasizing the need to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.
