The Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya, has stated that a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine is unattainable without fulfilling several Kremlin demands regarding NATO and Ukraine’s status. Moscow insists that Kyiv must completely abandon its aspirations to join NATO and undergo significant internal political changes.
Nebenzya reiterated Moscow’s long-standing narrative about the fundamental causes of the conflict, asserting that any agreement is impossible without addressing these issues. This list of demands has remained unchanged since the onset of the full-scale invasion.
According to Nebenzya, negotiations will not commence until Russia’s political conditions are met. He characterized these demands as tantamount to the capitulation of the Ukrainian state, directly challenging Ukraine’s sovereignty.
“NATO membership, the threat Ukraine poses to Russia, the neo-Nazi nature of the regime, and the persecution of Russian-speaking populations.”
In related developments, Germany has rejected a Kremlin proposal to involve former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder in negotiations between the European Union and Russia. Berlin emphasized that there are no signs indicating Moscow’s willingness for serious dialogue.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga dismissed the idea of Schröder’s involvement, suggesting that Russia should refrain from making further proposals involving other figures, humorously mentioning actors like Gérard Depardieu and Steven Seagal.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stressed the importance of European involvement in peace negotiations, advocating for a strong European voice in discussions. He has addressed this matter with Charles Michel, the President of the European Council.
Russia has outlined specific demands as prerequisites for peace negotiations regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, asserting that Kyiv must abandon NATO aspirations. Meanwhile, Germany has dismissed a proposal to involve former Chancellor Schröder in the talks, highlighting a lack of serious dialogue from Moscow.