Ukraine Calls for Increased Pressure on Russia to Force It to Peace
During a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council in Brussels, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called for increased pressure on Russia to force it to peace. His statement was released by the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.
Sybiha stressed that in March Ukraine took real steps towards peace. He noted the US leadership in peace initiatives and recalled that Ukraine had unconditionally agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire.
According to him, Russia, on the other hand, has put forward additional demands and conditions, which confirms its role as the main obstacle to peace and the only source of war.
The Minister also informed the participants of the meeting about specific cases of Russia's violations of the ceasefire agreements, in particular with regard to energy infrastructure.
He emphasised that Ukraine insists on an end to attacks on civilian objects and has conveyed its position to the United States.
‘We are convinced that it is time to increase pressure on Russia. Economic pressure through sanctions. Military pressure by providing Ukraine with additional military assistance and deterrence packages. Pressure is the only way to make Russia take peace seriously,’ Sybiha said.
He also welcomed the discussion of security guarantees for Ukraine within the ‘Coalition of the Resolute’ led by the UK and France, and stressed the importance of expanding the allied presence on land, in the air and at sea.
Sybiha outlined Ukraine's priority short-term needs, including additional air defence systems and ammunition, artillery shells, drones and other military equipment.
According to the Foreign Ministry's press service, most participants expressed support for US peace initiatives and confirmed that it is Ukraine that is taking concrete steps towards peace, while Russia is dragging its feet.
Most of the allies also supported increasing pressure on Russia to make peace, as well as increasing support for Ukraine and its defence capabilities.
Several NATO member states have announced new commitments and assistance packages, the details of which will be made public in the near future.
As The Gaze reported, following the summit in Brussels, the European Council adopted an official statement on the war in Ukraine. In particular, it states that Russia must demonstrate a real desire to end the war it has unleashed against Ukraine.