Russia said on Monday that Ukraine’s non-accession to NATO requires “special attention,” underscoring that the issue lies at the heart of ongoing negotiations aimed at reaching a peace settlement. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a press briefing that the question of NATO membership is a central one deserving particular consideration, framing it as a core element of discussions surrounding the conflict.
Peskov’s comments followed statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who described bilateral security guarantees with the United States, Europe, and other partners as a “compromise” in place of NATO membership. The remarks signal a notable shift in Kyiv’s long-standing stance, as Ukraine’s ambition to join the alliance was enshrined in its Constitution after a parliamentary vote in 2019. Russia has consistently opposed Ukraine’s NATO accession, with President Vladimir Putin previously labeling such a move a direct threat to Russia’s security shortly before the outbreak of the war in February 2022.
Addressing talks held in Berlin on a potential peace deal, Peskov said Moscow has not been actively briefed by Washington on the progress of the discussions and is awaiting a response from the US side once they conclude. The meetings involve Zelenskyy, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and delegations from both countries, with discussions extending into a second day. The Berlin consultations form part of a broader diplomatic track that has included meetings in Switzerland, the United States, and Istanbul, ahead of a wider summit expected to bring together European leaders, the EU, and NATO, with US participation yet to be confirmed.
