Russia Demands 'Ironclad' Ban on Ukraine Joining NATO in Peace Deal Talks

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko has declared that Moscow is seeking an "ironclad" guarantee to bar Ukraine from ever joining NATO as part of ongoing peace negotiations. According to the Russian newspaper Izvestia, Grushko stressed that these guarantees must include Ukraine's neutral status and a refusal by NATO countries to bring Ukraine into the alliance.

Grushko's comments come amid efforts by the Trump administration to broker an end to the conflict that has persisted for three years. While Ukraine recently agreed to a 30-day cease-fire proposal alongside U.S. negotiators in Saudi Arabia, Grushko avoided addressing the specifics of this temporary truce. Instead, his focus remains on ensuring any peace agreement aligns with Russia's core demands.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it abundantly clear that an acceptable agreement must meet several critical conditions. Meanwhile, U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff revealed that Trump and Putin are expected to hold a phone call this week to discuss the matter. Witkoff described his recent meeting with Putin in Moscow as "positive" and "solution-based."

Russia's stance remains firm against the deployment of European troops into Ukraine. Grushko reiterated that NATO contingents, regardless of whether they are labeled as peacekeeping forces or civilian missions, would escalate tensions by effectively placing these forces in the conflict zone. He warned of "consequences" for such deployments, implying that these troops would become parties to the conflict.

Despite Russia's objections, leaders from the United Kingdom, France, and Australia appear open to sending peacekeeping forces to Ukraine. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently convened a virtual meeting with 26 nations to discuss potential involvement, while French President Emmanuel Macron suggested deploying training programs and long-term support troops. Macron pointedly remarked that Ukraine's sovereignty grants it the right to request allied forces on its territory—whether Russia approves or not.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also expressed willingness to contribute troops. However, Grushko countered that any sustainable solution must involve barring Ukraine from NATO membership and excluding foreign military contingents to ensure regional security.

The diplomatic chessboard is heating up, with leaders pushing for peace while Russia clings to its demands. Grushko argued that resolving the root causes of the conflict—namely NATO expansion—would bring stability to Ukraine and the surrounding region.