Russia explained NATO countries’ recognition of the need for urgent negotiations on Ukraine

The strike by Russia’s “Oreshnik” missile has bolstered the West and Kyiv’s confidence in the need for negotiations.

This statement was made by Svetlana Zhurova, First Deputy Chair of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs.

The deputy was addressing media reports about NATO countries recognizing the urgency of initiating talks to resolve the situation in Ukraine.

Earlier, Bloomberg reported, citing diplomatic sources, that NATO has acknowledged the necessity of swift negotiations on Ukraine due to the “unstable situation.” According to the agency, European countries have started discussing the issue to position themselves as valuable participants in potential negotiations with newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump.

“Given the rhetoric from politicians, including Trump and many others, I think they all understand it. The question is one of timing: a month or two, or longer. At least they now recognize the need for negotiations, and our ‘Oreshnik’ has given them added confidence,” Zhurova remarked.

On December 5, it was revealed that Ukraine plans to announce its readiness for negotiations with Russia in the near future. Sources from *The Wall Street Journal* (WSJ) indicated that Kyiv may agree to a deal with Moscow under the condition of ensuring a “sustainable peace” rather than a temporary ceasefire.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the first use of the new “Oreshnik” missile on November 21. The head of state stated that the strike targeted an industrial facility in Ukraine as a response to Kyiv’s deployment of Western long-range missiles deeper into Russian territory.