Territorial concessions, NATO rejection, and military reduction: The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry outlined Ukraine’s red lines in negotiations

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga outlined Ukraine’s fundamental positions that are “non-negotiable and cannot be touched” in peace talks.

He made these statements in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.

“The first is Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Ukraine will never recognize occupied territories.
The second: no country has the right to veto the choice of the Ukrainian people, including Ukraine’s decision to join alliances such as the European Union or NATO.
The third: there can be no restrictions on Ukraine’s defense capabilities, no limitations on the strength of our army or our military potential.
Russia must be held accountable,” Sibiga said.

According to him, the European Union and the United States are aware of Ukraine’s demands, which shape its international stance.

He also emphasized that Ukraine must not be discussed without its participation, just as Europe should not be discussed without European involvement.

Sibiga responded to U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz’s remarks that Ukraine’s NATO membership is not possible, stating that “NATO cannot be removed from the agenda.”

“Yes, at present, there is no consensus among our partners regarding Ukraine’s NATO membership. But I repeat, this is enshrined in Ukraine’s Constitution, it is the strategic choice of the Ukrainian people, and the most effective security guarantee for Ukraine is NATO membership,” the minister said.

Notably, Waltz has twice in recent days mentioned the low likelihood of Ukraine joining NATO. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has stated that former U.S. President Donald Trump has completely taken this issue off the table.