Russia Rejects Ukraine Conflict Freeze
Russia has rejected the idea of freezing the war in Ukraine without first addressing what it describes as the conflict’s root causes. Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said Moscow sees no basis for a pause that does not lead to a broader political settlement.
According to Galuzin, Russia’s conditions include Ukraine abandoning its bid to join NATO, taking on a neutral status, agreeing to restrictions on its military, and formally recognizing Crimea and four former Ukrainian regions as Russian territory. The remarks restated positions Moscow has repeatedly linked to any lasting peace deal.
Key Events
- Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said Russia will not accept a freeze of the Ukraine conflict without resolving its underlying causes.
- He said Moscow’s conditions include Ukraine abandoning NATO membership plans and adopting neutral status.
- He said Ukraine must accept limits on its armed forces.
- He said Crimea and four former Ukrainian regions must be formally recognized as Russian territory.