Russia Demands “Ironclad” Security Guarantees in Ukraine Ceasefire Talks

Russia announced on Monday that it will insist on “ironclad” security guarantees as a key condition in ongoing negotiations regarding a proposed 30-day ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv, initiated by the US. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that these guarantees must include Ukraine’s neutral status and NATO’s commitment to refusing Kyiv’s membership, asserting that only such measures can ensure lasting peace and regional stability. He also criticized NATO’s military actions, labeling them as increasingly aggressive.

Grushko firmly opposed any deployment of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, arguing that NATO-led peacekeeping operations are inherently contradictory. He accused French President Emmanuel Macron of introducing the idea to divert attention from domestic issues. While expressing skepticism about the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) role in a peacekeeping mission, he suggested that a civilian mission with unarmed observers might be acceptable to monitor the ceasefire. Additionally, he did not rule out resuming dialogue between Russia and the EU, although he questioned Europe’s role in the peace process.

The US and Ukrainian delegations recently met in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to discuss a potential peace deal, leading to Kyiv’s reported willingness to accept the American-proposed ceasefire. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that while Moscow is open to ending hostilities, it will only do so under conditions that guarantee long-term stability and address the root causes of the conflict.