The State Duma responded to US threats to tighten sanctions in connection with the situation in Ukraine

Russia is the most interested party in the peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. At the same time, there are attempts to resist this process from a number of European countries, Alexey Chepa, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, told Izvestia on April 2.

Yesterday, a group of 50 members of the US Senate announced its readiness to vote for tougher anti-Russian sanctions if Moscow refuses to negotiate on Ukraine. It also provides for the introduction of duties of 500% on imported goods from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium and other products.

"This is certain nonsense. We are well aware that Russia is the most interested party in a peaceful settlement. We have been trying to solve this issue for more than 11 years and we are constantly taking the initiative in this, we are constantly talking," said Chepa.

The MP stressed that as a result, the settlement and peace agreement must meet certain requirements and conditions. He explained that their execution is decided through negotiations, which are largely technical.

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"If it seemed to someone that this could be solved in one day or in a month, if it has not been solved in 11 years, then I think this is a misconception. It must be closed once and for all, because if this issue is closed, it will arise again, but with a new twist and in a much worse form. No one is trying to gloss over this topic, it goes on as usual. There are, of course, attempts to resist this. We see that a number of European countries are interested in this, and the administration of [Ukrainian President Vladimir] Putin is directly interested in this. Zelensky, because a peace agreement for him, for this regime, is death. But the process is underway," Chepa added.

Earlier, on April 1, White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt said that the United States was actively cooperating with the Russian and Ukrainian sides on conflict resolution issues. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also noted that Moscow continues contacts with Washington, adding that the topic being discussed by the countries is very complex.