Ukraine Condemns Russia’s UN Ceasefire Demands as Threat to Peace

Ukraine’s leadership has sharply condemned Russia’s latest statements at the United Nations Security Council, calling Moscow’s conditions for a ceasefire “arrogant” and a direct threat to the ongoing peace efforts, The Gaze reports.

Speaking on Friday, Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia claimed the Kremlin was prepared to consider a truce — but only if Western countries stopped sending weapons to Ukraine and Kyiv halted its national mobilization. 

Nebenzia further insisted that a ceasefire alone would not be enough, demanding that negotiations address what Russia calls the “root causes” of the war.

In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russia of using the Security Council as a platform for undermining global efforts for peace.

“When the entire world insists that it is time to stop the killing immediately and engage in meaningful diplomacy, Russia uses the highest fora to spew such belligerent rhetoric,” Sybiha said. “This is Russia's slap in the face to all who advocate for peace.”

Ukraine sees Moscow’s demands as an attempt to shift blame while continuing its aggression. Kyiv argues that cutting off Western military support and halting mobilization would leave the country vulnerable to further Russian attacks.

“They do not understand diplomatic language,” Sybiha said. “It is time to respond in the language they do understand — sanctions and stronger military support for Ukraine.”

Western diplomats echoed Ukraine’s concerns. A U.S. official told the Council that Russia’s actions suggest it is more focused on achieving military victory than ending the war.

Despite Russia’s talk of diplomacy, its military continues offensives on the ground and air strikes across Ukrainian cities. The U.S. reiterated its call for a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire covering land, air, sea, and critical infrastructure — a proposal that Moscow has so far refused to accept.

As The Gaze previously reported, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of deliberately stalling the war by failing to follow through on its diplomatic commitments—most notably, the promised memorandum on ceasefire negotiations.

Ukraine has confirmed its readiness to attend the next round of direct negotiations with Russia in Istanbul on June 2, but is urging Moscow to submit its ceasefire proposal in advance to avoid an unproductive meeting.

Read more on The Gaze: Russia Simulates Peace Talks to Avoid International Isolation, Political Scientist Explains