Amid ongoing peace talks, Russia's deputy foreign minister has stated that any agreement must include guarantees barring Ukraine from NATO membership. The announcement comes as diplomatic efforts continue to negotiate a ceasefire in the war, with leaders from the US and Russia poised to discuss the situation further.
Russian Demands for Ukraine Peace Deal Spotlight NATO Exclusion
Russian Demands for Ukraine Peace Deal Spotlight NATO Exclusion
A Russian official insists on Ukraine's neutral status as part of a potential peace agreement, raising tensions in ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
Russia's deputy foreign minister Alexander Grushko has asserted that any peace deal concerning Ukraine must include steadfast guarantees that prevent Ukraine from joining NATO, as reported by the Russian media outlet Izvestia. Grushko emphasized that these assurances should ensure Ukraine's neutral status and involve a formal rejection from NATO countries regarding its potential membership.
This announcement coincides with an anticipated conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as discussions intensify about establishing a ceasefire in the ongoing three-year conflict in Ukraine. The US and Ukraine have reportedly agreed to propose a 30-day ceasefire to Russia, which aligns with Putin's acceptance of a truce, albeit coupled with challenging conditions that must be met for peace to be realized.
A significant point of contention remains Russia's control over parts of the western Kursk region of Ukraine, following a military incursion last year that witnessed Ukrainian forces capturing territory. Putin maintains that Russian forces have recaptured full control over this area, declaring the Ukrainian troops "isolated."
Concerns regarding the monitoring and enforcement of a potential ceasefire along the eastern front, where the fighting has been most intense, have also been raised. In response to these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Putin of attempting to undermine diplomatic efforts for a swift ceasefire resolution.
US envoy Steve Witkoff, who met with Putin in Moscow, highlighted expectations for a bilateral call between Trump and Putin within the week. Trump has long advocated for an end to the ongoing conflict, signifying this as a top priority from the very first day of his potential new administration. Witkoff, however, refrained from commenting on how Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine could be addressed in future agreements, as the conflict continues to leave nearly 20 percent of Ukraine under Russian control.
