Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has named three fundamental issues that Ukraine will not discuss in the upcoming negotiations to end the war. In an interview with RBC-Ukraine, he stated that these matters are non-negotiable.
The first is territorial integrity and sovereignty. Ukraine will never recognise the occupied territories.
The second is that no country can influence Ukraine’s decision to join unions or alliances, whether NATO, the EU, or any other organisation.
Russia has repeatedly issued ultimatums demanding that Ukraine not join NATO.
The third is any limitation on Ukraine’s defence capabilities.
“So these are fundamental issues that our partners are well aware of. Russia must be held accountable. These are all elements of a comprehensive peace. And let me remind you that they are also outlined in our Peace Formula—they reflect the principles that define our position in the international arena,” the minister said.
- On 12 March, delegations from Ukraine and the United States held talks in Saudi Arabia, resulting in Kyiv’s agreement to establish a 30-day ceasefire—on the condition that Russia makes a similar commitment. Moscow has yet to give an official response, although Vladimir Putin has begun presenting his own ultimatums in statements to the press. He is scheduled to have a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump tomorrow, but it remains unclear whether a temporary ceasefire will be agreed upon.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who participated in discussions with the Ukrainian delegation in Jeddah, stated that the issue of occupied territories was raised. The Ukrainian president reaffirmed that recognising any territory captured by Russia is a red line.
- Donald Trump reported that during talks with the Ukrainian delegation, the discussion included control over a major plant, apparently referring to the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz revealed that during negotiations, a map was brought out, and participants “started drawing on it how to end this war”.
- Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the issue of territories was discussed.
- Trump is expected to raise the issue of the nuclear power plant in his conversation with the Russian leader.