We will not accept Russian demands that leave Ukraine defenceless, says Ukraine's foreign minister

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has stated that Ukraine insists on strong and long-term security guarantees and will not accept any demands that would leave the country weak and defenceless.

Source: Sybiha on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: The minister noted that Russia’s demands and ultimatums have remained unchanged for many years. In particular, Russia seeks to limit Ukraine’s Armed Forces, its defence capabilities, military assistance from partners and block Ukraine’s accession to NATO.

Quote: "All of these demands have one thing in common: Moscow wants a weak, defenceless Ukraine. This is not about NATO or ‘security concerns’. This is about Russia’s ability to destroy the Ukrainian state at a later stage, occupy its territories, seize its mineral resources and use its human and other potential for further aggression."

More details: Sybiha stressed that Russia’s rhetoric has escalated to 2022 levels, and the Kremlin is trying to take advantage of the current geopolitical momentum.

Quote: "We can see this Russian strategy and will never accept anything that leaves Ukraine weak or defenceless. To the contrary, a real and fair peace requires strong and long-term security guarantees to preserve it."

Background: 

• To establish a ceasefire at sea, Russia has put forward a list of demands, including the easing of certain sanctions on its agricultural sector. The US stated it would examine the demands, while European countries rejected any sanctions relief.
• Meanwhile, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin demanded a halt to mobilisation in Ukraine, the rearmament of the Armed Forces and a complete suspension of foreign military aid to Kyiv in exchange for a full 30-day ceasefire.

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