Kyiv: Russian officials have shown a tepid response to news of potential progress in US-European negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s extensive conflict with Ukraine. The United States has reportedly extended an offer of NATO-style security guarantees for Kyiv.
According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, following two days of discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on December 16 that Moscow has yet to review the proposals discussed in Berlin or the specifics of the US security offer. Preventing Ukraine from joining NATO has been a longstanding stance for Moscow, and it remains uncertain how the Kremlin views NATO-like security assurances for Ukraine.
Peskov emphasized that Russia does not desire a cease-fire, despite Zelenskyy’s call for a Christmas truce, but instead seeks a comprehensive peace agreement to conclude the war as it approaches its four-year mark. Peskov highlighted Russia’s desire for a lasting peace deal that would secure its in
terests and ensure peace in Europe.
In an interview with ABC News broadcast on December 15, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov suggested that a deal seemed close but maintained Russia’s firm territorial and security demands. These demands include the recognition of four Ukrainian regions, currently partially occupied by Russian forces, as Russian territories. Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 remains widely unrecognized globally.
The Berlin talks have sparked hopes for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, which has resulted in over 1.5 million casualties and significant destruction in Ukraine. US representatives at the talks proposed NATO-style security guarantees, a crucial demand for Ukrainian officials to prevent future invasions. Ukrainian officials recall the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, a previously violated security assurance.
US President Donald Trump, speaking from the White House, expressed optimism about the negotiations, while European leaders echoed his sentiments. Polish Prim
e Minister Donald Tusk noted the unity among negotiators and America’s commitment to security guarantees that would deter further Russian aggression.
Zelenskyy insisted that US security guarantees should be legally binding and include provisions similar to NATO’s Article 5, which considers an attack on one member as an attack on all. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s stance on not recognizing the Russian-occupied Donbas as Russian territory, emphasizing the ongoing territorial discussions.
Additionally, Zelenskyy commented on the possibility of a loan backed by frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine financially. As Russian forces continue their offensive in Ukraine, with ongoing attacks on cities like Odesa causing power outages, the Ukrainian leader stressed the importance of considering both peace and continued resistance strategies.
On the military front, Ukraine’s security service released footage purportedly showing the destruction of a Russian submarine, a claim denied by Russian officials. Satellite images
seem to show the submarine still docked, although its condition remains unclear.