Europe needs to prepare for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia – Pistorius
Boris Pistorius, German Defense Minister (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Europe must be ready for the day when Ukraine and Russia agree to a ceasefire — including support for rebuilding Ukraine's military, said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, according to ZDF.
According to the German minister, although Russia has once again shown that it is currently not interested in ending its war of aggression, it is important to think beyond just the present.
"We must be ready for day X, when a ceasefire comes," Pistorius emphasized.
He clarified that a ceasefire would not allow endless time for negotiating a lasting peace — which is why Europe must prepare in advance for that dialogue.
Pistorius also emphasized that Ukraine's military must be modernized and properly equipped by the time such a period arrives. At the same time, he noted the need to define in advance what ceasefire monitoring might look like and who would be responsible for it.
Ukraine-Russia ceasefire
During talks held today, May 16, in Istanbul, Ukraine and Russia discussed the possibility of a ceasefire.
According to Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation, the two sides agreed to present their respective visions of a possible ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Western media, citing sources, report that Russia is demanding the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from four regions as a condition for a ceasefire.
