- Russia demands Ukraine’s neutrality and NATO exclusion in any peace agreement.
- US President Trump plans to speak with Putin on Tuesday to discuss peace terms.
- Deputy Foreign Minister Grushko reaffirms Russia’s opposition to NATO’s involvement.
- France, UK, and Australia express willingness to deploy peacekeepers, but Russia rejects it.
- Trump seeks to bring an end to the war, discussing territorial issues in negotiations.
Russia has made it clear that any peace deal about Ukraine must include “ironclad” guarantees. These include Ukraine’s neutrality and NATO membership exclusion. Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko shared this stance in an interview with Izvestia on Monday.
Grushko said, “We will demand that ironclad security guarantees become part of this agreement.” He stressed that Ukraine’s neutrality should be ensured and NATO should not admit Ukraine. Russia has always seen NATO’s growth as a threat to its security.
Trump Pushes for Peace Talks
US President Donald Trump is working hard to mediate a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. He announced that he will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to discuss potential terms for a ceasefire. This comes after Ukraine accepted a 30-day truce last week.
Trump remains optimistic about reaching a resolution. He mentioned, “We will be talking about land. We will be talking about power plants.” Trump acknowledged that the peace process is complicated but believes progress is happening. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, also called his meetings with Putin “positive.”
Russia’s Firm Stance on NATO and Peacekeepers
Russia’s demand for Ukraine’s neutral status is also tied to its strong opposition to NATO’s involvement in the conflict. Moscow has consistently rejected the idea of NATO peacekeepers in Ukraine, despite offers from Western nations like France, the UK, and Australia, who have expressed a willingness to send peacekeeping troops to monitor a ceasefire.
Grushko reiterated Moscow’s position, saying, “It does not matter under what label NATO contingents were to be deployed on Ukrainian territory—be it the European Union, NATO, or in a national capacity.” According to him, any such deployment would imply NATO’s involvement in the conflict, which Russia cannot accept.
While Western countries have expressed openness to sending unarmed post-conflict observers, Russia has made it clear that such discussions should only take place after a peace agreement is finalized. Grushko referred to the idea of deploying unarmed observers as “hot air” until a formal peace deal is in place.
Macron’s Response and the European Perspective
French President Emmanuel Macron has countered Russia’s position by stating that the deployment of peacekeeping troops is ultimately a decision for Ukraine, not Russia. Macron’s comments reflect the broader European view that Ukraine should have the autonomy to decide the terms of any peace agreement.
However, Grushko argued that European allies of Ukraine must recognize that the exclusion of Ukraine from NATO and the removal of foreign military contingents are essential for ensuring regional security. He believes that addressing these issues would help eliminate one of the root causes of the conflict and pave the way for lasting peace in the region.
What’s Next?
Trump is working to broker peace as concerns about the war’s impact on Ukraine and global security grow. Although Russia failed to quickly topple Ukraine’s government, it still controls large areas, leading to significant territorial losses for Ukraine. Consequently, tensions remain high.
In addition, Trump’s comments about dividing assets highlight the complexities of the peace talks. He suggests that territorial compromises might be part of the solution, yet the details remain unclear. As a result, both sides will need to carefully navigate these challenging discussions.
Meanwhile, Trump is pushing forward with his tariff plans, believing they will help strengthen the US economy. Despite stock market disruptions, he remains committed to enforcing tariffs by April 2. He views this as a critical step to restore the country’s economic power.
Ultimately, the situation in Ukraine is at a crossroads. Russia insists on Ukraine’s neutrality and NATO exclusion. On the other hand, Western countries are ready to send peacekeepers. Therefore, the upcoming talks between Trump and Putin will be pivotal in determining a ceasefire and a lasting peace deal.