In a recent interview with Newsweek, Russia's ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, addressed the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, countering skepticism from Washington officials regarding Moscow's willingness to negotiate a ceasefire. Antonov accused the U.S. administration of deliberately misrepresenting Russia's position on peace negotiations.

Antonov emphasized that talk of a "freezing" of the conflict was baseless and stated that Russian-Ukrainian agreements must take into account the situation on the ground. He further asserted that the Russian Federation Armed Forces would not retreat or withdraw to hypothetical dividing lines, citing Russia's constitution, which clearly outlines its borders.

The issue of borders remains a contentious point between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Russia's annexation of Ukrainian provinces, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia in September 2022, as well as the disputed annexation of Crimea in March 2014, have not been internationally recognized.

Antonov shared that President Putin emphasized the need for tangible, legally enshrined security guarantees. However, the ambassador questioned who could sign such a document, considering the termination of Zelensky's term of office and the loss of his legitimacy. Zelensky's upcoming elections, which were scheduled for March or April of this year, have been suspended due to the ongoing war.

Russian officials maintain that the conflict is a defensive war against the spread of the U.S.-led NATO military alliance along Russian borders. The U.S., on the other hand, views the conflict as an unprovoked war of aggression and has provided Ukraine with substantial military and economic assistance.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has been reached out to for comment on the matter. President Joe Biden's administration has reiterated that any negotiations to end the conflict should involve the participation of the Ukrainian government. U.S. officials have cast doubt on recent reports claiming that the Kremlin is ready for a negotiated ceasefire.

Amidst the tension, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba criticized the alleged readiness for a ceasefire, describing it as a effort to sabotage an upcoming peace summit in Switzerland next month. Kuleba accused Russian troops of continuing to attack Ukraine while dismissing Russia's claims of wanting peace.

Ukrainian President Zelensky also conveyed his belief in the power of the international community to force Russia into peace and compliance with international security norms. He expressed that the upcoming summit poses a significant threat to Putin, who fears its potential outcome.

However, Antonov dismissed the peace summit as an illegitimate affair and downplayed its significance. He asserted that the gathering lacks the authority to confirm Zelensky's legitimacy, and he criticized the focus on empty talk and political slogans instead of serious diplomatic and legal work.

As the conflict rages on, with Russian forces advancing toward Kharkiv, as well as Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia provinces, Antonov warned that Ukraine stands to lose more territory if Russian proposals for peace talks continue to be ignored.

The situation remains tense, and it appears that a resolution to the conflict remains distant as both sides hold firm in their positions.