Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that Russia keeps presenting additional conditions for a possible peace agreement with the intent of leaving Ukraine vulnerable. Nevertheless, he stressed that Kyiv will not agree to terms that compromise national security.
"Russia's demands and ultimatums have stayed consistent over the years. Moscow seeks to restrict Ukraine's armed forces, defensive capacities, and military support from allies, as well as prevent Ukraine's membership in NATO," Sybiha stated.
As stated by the minister, Russia’s statements expose its actual aims. These various demands have a shared objective: Moscow seeks a Ukraine that is feeble and devoid of defenses.
However, the foreign minister is convinced that this is not just about NATO or so-called "security concerns." In reality, Russia’s ambitions go much further.
"The focus here is on Russia’s capability to dismantle the Ukrainian state at some point in the future, take over its territory, capture its natural resources, and exploit its population and various assets to fuel additional acts of aggression. It is crucial not to entertain any false hopes regarding this matter," stressed the minister.
He observed that Moscow’s statements have ramped up to the intensity seen in 2022. Russia aims to capitalize on the present global political climate as the U.S. pushes for a rapid end to the conflict in Ukraine.
"We can see this Russian strategy and will never accept anything that leaves Ukraine weak or defenseless. To the contrary, a real and fair peace requires strong and long-term security guarantees to preserve it," Sybiha stressed.
Putin’s demands
Russian leader Vladimir Putin, in a conversation with US President Donald Trump, agreed to a 30-day moratorium on strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. However, he rejected the US proposal for a full ceasefire over the same period, according to Kremlin statements.
Instead, Putin outlined conditions under which hostilities could be halted. He demands an end to Ukraine’s mobilization, as well as a halt to military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv.
Following a recent meeting with US representatives in Saudi Arabia, Russia issued a final statement outlining its conditions for a maritime ceasefire with Ukraine. The Kremlin stressed that such an agreement would only take effect if sanctions were lifted from certain Russian companies and a Russian bank.
As for a potential peace agreement in the war with Ukraine, Russia has not backed down from any of its demands. These include ending Western support for Ukraine, a veto on NATO membership, a ban on Western troop deployments, territorial concessions, and restrictions on the size and capabilities of Ukraine’s military.
