Synopsis
On March 17, Russia stated its opposition to NATO peacekeepers in Ukraine, advocating for unarmed observers instead. Deputy Foreign Minister Grushko emphasized that discussions around peacekeeping should only occur after a formal peace agreement is established, highlighting NATO's contradictions in peacekeeping efforts.Key Takeaways
- Russia opposes NATO peacekeepers in Ukraine.
- Unarmed observers are proposed as an alternative.
- Discussions on peacekeeping should follow a formal peace agreement.
- NATO's involvement is deemed contradictory by Russia.
- Ukraine’s neutral status is crucial for peace guarantees.
Moscow, March 17 (NationPress) Russia has firmly rejected the potential deployment of NATO peacekeepers in Ukraine, proposing instead the idea of unarmed observers or a civilian monitoring group to facilitate the oversight of a possible peace agreement.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated in an interview with the Russian daily Izvestia that discussions regarding peacekeeping initiatives in Ukraine are untimely and should only occur following a formal peace accord.
Grushko asserted that NATO's participation in peacekeeping missions is inherently contradictory, according to the Xinhua news agency.
He remarked, "NATO and peacekeeping are fundamentally incompatible. The history of the alliance is characterized by military interventions and unprovoked aggressions aimed at establishing its global and regional supremacy."
He reiterated Russia's position that the stationing of NATO troops in Ukraine—whether under the auspices of the EU, NATO, or individual countries—would effectively place them in the conflict zone, turning them into direct participants with all resultant consequences.
As an alternative, he suggested that an unarmed observer mission or a civilian monitoring group could be established to oversee specific elements of any potential peace arrangement.
He added, "Such a mission could ensure adherence to certain provisions and be part of a more comprehensive guarantee mechanism."
Grushko emphasized that only through the establishment of such mechanisms can lasting peace in Ukraine be achieved, thereby enhancing security in the region.
He also mentioned that Ukraine's neutral status and NATO member states' refusal to allow Ukraine into the alliance must be part of these guarantees.
US President Donald Trump is reportedly seeking President Vladimir Putin's support for a 30-day ceasefire proposal, which Ukraine accepted last week but Putin claims has essential conditions that must be met.
Trump is expected to confer with Putin this week regarding strategies to conclude the three-year conflict in Ukraine, according to US Envoy Steve Witkoff, who described his recent meeting with Putin in Moscow as "positive."
Moscow has categorically opposed the deployment of NATO observers to Ukraine, a stance reiterated by Grushko.
Both Britain and France have expressed willingness to dispatch a peacekeeping force to monitor any ceasefire in Ukraine, while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that his country is also open to requests.
