This was stated by the head of the russian delegation at the negotiations in Istanbul, Vladimir Medinsky, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.
According to Medinsky, the West’s mistake lies in viewing the aggression of the russian federation against Ukraine as something akin to a conflict between England and France—two countries with their own distinct histories and cultures.
He believes the war in Ukraine is more like a confrontation between two states with a common language and culture, who “are essentially one people and destined to remain close”.
“It’s like a conflict between two brothers, older and younger, over which one is smarter and more important. This conflict, unfortunately, deepens our disagreements, and that’s why we want it to end as soon as possible”, - said the representative of the russian dictator.
Medinsky also said that the conflict deepens the divide between russia and Ukraine, which is why moscow supposedly wants to end it as quickly as possible.
“Russia wants peace, but if Ukraine continues to be guided by the national interests of other countries, then Moscow will be forced to respond”, - the head of the russian delegation emphasized.