Russia sets NATO‑related conditions for peace talks with Ukraine

Russian Vice‑Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said a durable peace in Ukraine is impossible without several guarantees: the denazification of Ukraine, protection of Russian‑speaking populations, and a firm commitment that Ukraine will not join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The Russian Foreign Ministry echoed the demand, insisting that Ukraine must adopt a status of permanent neutrality and reject NATO membership as a prerequisite for any peace treaty.

Spokesperson Maria Zakharova highlighted the need for denazification and demilitarisation, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed that Ukraine’s refusal to join NATO is a key condition for negotiations. The statements underline Russia’s view that NATO expansion is a core obstacle to a lasting settlement of the conflict.