NYT wrote that Ukraine prioritizes security guarantees, Defense Minister denies report
Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov (Getty Images)
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has refuted claims made by The New York Times suggesting that Ukraine is prioritizing security over the recovery of its territories. He emphasized that Kyiv’s goal remains the restoration of its territorial integrity, citing Reuters.
"Territorial integrity is part of our values," Umerov said.
Commenting on the reports about Ukraine allegedly shifting its war priorities, the minister dismissed them as "lies and part of Russian propaganda."
"Our priority remains the protection of people, the defense of the nation, and the liberation of those under nearly a decade of temporary occupation. Crimea and Donbas are part of Ukraine," Umerov asserted.
He also highlighted that people living in territories currently held by Russia are waiting to be liberated.
Security over territory?
Earlier, The New York Times reported that Ukraine is purportedly focusing on securing safety guarantees rather than reclaiming territories temporarily occupied by Russia.
Sources suggest that Ukraine’s stance in potential negotiations would rely more on the guarantees of a ceasefire regime than on territorial borders, which are likely to be influenced by the outcome of military actions.
Previously, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, reaffirmed that all efforts would be made to restore the internationally recognized 1991 borders.
