Ukraine war: Russia names conditions for ceasefire – Kyiv reacts with horror

New York. Russia has declared its readiness for a possible ceasefire in the UN Security Council ahead of negotiations with Ukrainian representatives scheduled for Monday in Turkey. Russia's UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia also outlined conditions for an end to hostilities. "For the duration of the ceasefire, it is at least necessary that Western countries cease arms deliveries to the Kyiv regime and that Ukraine end its mobilization," Nebenzia said in his speech, which was also broadcast in Moscow by the Foreign Ministry.

A ceasefire could then make it possible to work on a sustainable solution to the original causes of the conflict, the diplomat said. Russia has always emphasized its desire to first resolve the conflict in principle and then consider a ceasefire. Ukraine, on the other hand, has been demanding since March, based on a US proposal, that there should first be a 30-day ceasefire before work can begin on resolving the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanded that the ceasefire be agreed without preconditions.

Nebenzia now clearly stated these two preconditions. In his opinion, Ukraine's previous statements indicate that it will not agree to this. Russia, in turn, does not want a situation in which Ukraine uses the ceasefire to take a breather and gather strength in the war. Russia is ready to discuss the conditions for peace at the negotiations this Monday in Istanbul. The talks are the "litmus test" for both sides to show whether they are serious about striving for an end to the fighting.

In his speech, the Russian UN representative also stated that Moscow's armed forces are capable of continuing hostilities for as long as necessary. Everyone can already see for themselves that the Russian army is making progress along virtually the entire front line.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Serhiy Sybiha accused Russia of arrogance at Platform X in light of the reference to Moscow's military strength. "This is Russia's slap in the face to all those who advocate for peace," he said of Nebenzia's speech. More pressure on Russia is needed. "They don't understand a normal stance or the language of diplomacy; it's time to speak to them in the language of sanctions and increased support for Ukraine," Sybiha said.

RND/dpa