Ukrainian FM: “Time for Pressure Diplomacy – Appeasement Doesn’t Work on Russia”

On Thursday, June 12, during an official visit to Italy, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha took part in a joint press appearance ahead of the “Weimar+” ministerial meeting in Rome. 

Speaking to reporters, Sybiha underlined the need for increased international pressure on Russia, emphasizing that traditional diplomacy has failed to yield results, The Gaze reports.

“Diplomacy of appeasement does not work on Russia. It’s time for diplomacy of pressure,” Sybiha declared. He stressed that Moscow continues to disregard global peace efforts, and only decisive, united action from Ukraine’s allies can bring Russia to the negotiating table.

The minister said the central focus of the upcoming discussions would be on how to intensify pressure on the Kremlin. “We need clear steps forward and a demonstration of strength and unity. I will offer our allies a vision of what we expect from the final documents and decisions. We count on our partners’ determination—now more than ever—for the sake of peace and security in Europe,” Sybiha stated. 

“We aim to end this war this year. That’s why pressure on the aggressor is crucial to achieve a ceasefire that will open the door to further negotiations.”

Sybiha informed reporters that Russia’s total casualties in its war against Ukraine now exceed one million killed and wounded. Despite these “colossal losses,” he said, “Putin has achieved none of his strategic goals, and only pressure will force Russia to seek peace and neutralize the threat to Ukraine and the rest of the world.”

He also criticized Moscow’s latest so-called “peace proposals,” presented in Istanbul, calling them outdated ultimatums: “Russia presented a set of old and unrealistic ultimatums, once again demonstrating its inadequacy to the world. And this at a time when the U.S. expected realistic and actionable proposals.”

Sybiha outlined what this “diplomacy of pressure” should include:

• Devastating sanctions on Russia’s energy and banking sectors

• Lowering the oil price cap to $30 per barrel

• Use of frozen Russian assets

• Expanded air defense and military aid packages for Ukraine

• Strong conclusions from upcoming EU, NATO, and G7 summits

“Political pressure must be based on the principle that the security of Ukraine, the EU, and NATO is indivisible,”he added.

Read more on The Gaze: Are Ukraine’s Allies Ready to Take Sanctions Against Russia to the Next Level in 2025?