Russia demands neutral Ukraine: 'Hot phase may end soon' – Nebenzia
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Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia suggested that the "hot phase" of the Ukrainian crisis could soon end, citing shifting global diplomatic efforts after the Republican administration took office in the United States.
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Russian ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia and and current president of the Security Council speaks during a Security Council meeting, Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Russia has reiterated its position that Ukraine should become a demilitarized, neutral state and remain outside any military alliances, according to Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia. Speaking during a UN Security Council meeting on Monday, Nebenzia stated:
"The future Ukraine should be a demilitarized, neutral state that does not belong to any blocs or alliances."
His comments come amid heightened international discussions over the future of the war in Ukraine, as diplomatic talks gain momentum following political changes in Washington.
Russia Sees End to Active Combat, But No Guarantees of Peace
Nebenzia suggested that the "hot phase" of the Ukrainian crisis could soon end, citing shifting global diplomatic efforts after the Republican administration took office in the United States. He remarked:
"We all see what processes are taking place in the world today after the Republican Administration in the United States came to power. As we have been calling for over the past few months, diplomacy has finally become actively involved in the game. There are chances that the hot phase of the Ukrainian crisis may end soon."
Despite this, Nebenzia warned that a ceasefire or freezing the conflict along current frontlines would not be enough to ensure a lasting resolution.
Read more: Trump administration seeks Ukraine war end by April 20: Bloomberg
Moscow Declares Ukrainian Regions "Irretrievably Lost"
Russia also reaffirmed sovereignty over several former Ukrainian regions, with Nebenzia stating that Ukraine has permanently lost control over territories that Moscow annexed following its 2022 invasion.
"Ukraine has now irretrievably lost not only Crimea, but also the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics, and the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, which became part of Russia. Accordingly, it is necessary to correct the situation in those regions that are still under Kiev's control."
These remarks indicate that Russia does not intend to negotiate the status of these areas, further complicating the prospects for peace talks.
Diplomatic Tensions Rise Amid Paris Security Summit
The Kremlin's renewed stance comes as European leaders meet in Paris to discuss Ukraine's security and the future of European defense strategy. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged European nations to step up their efforts, warning that the United States' changing approach to Ukraine means Europe must take on greater responsibility for its own security.
A key concern among European leaders is that Washington has agreed to hold negotiations with Russia in Saudi Arabia without including European or Ukrainian representatives. This has sparked fears that Moscow could push its demands for NATO's withdrawal from Eastern Europe, while leaving Kyiv out of the decision-making process.
Read more: Zelensky proposes alternative security alliance amid NATO uncertainty
At the same time, European nations are debating the possible deployment of 25,000 to 30,000 military personnel to Ukraine, though they would not be stationed near the front lines. The proposal, first reported by The Washington Post, is expected to be discussed at the Paris summit, where the UK, France, and other European nations are considering ways to enhance Ukraine's security.
Sweden has also signaled openness to sending troops as part of a peacekeeping mission once a formal agreement is reached. Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard stated:
"First, we must agree on a just and lasting peace, which respects international law and Ukraine ... As soon as this peace is achieved, we will have to ensure that it is maintained. In this case, our government does not rule out anything."
Russia Rejects Western Military Presence in Ukraine
Moscow has reacted negatively to any discussion of Western forces being deployed in Ukraine, with the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) previously claiming that the West is preparing to send 100,000 troops under the guise of peacekeeping.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has maintained that any peacekeeping mission must be approved by all parties involved. He stated in November:
"The deployment of peacekeepers is possible only with the consent of the parties to a conflict."
