Russia proposes to 'legally formalize' peace guarantees for EU
Photo: Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov (Getty Images)
Russia has proposed to the European Union "legally formalizing" non-aggression guarantees to reassure Europe, states Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov.
According to Ryabkov, "Russia does not pursue the conquest objectives that are attributed to our country." The official made this statement during the discussion (Non)Strategic Stability – 2025: Year in Review in the Field of International Security, organized by the Valdai International Discussion Club.
Moreover, there was even a promise that Moscow would "legally formalize" such guarantees. Ryabkov reminded that Russian President Vladimir Putin has also repeatedly mentioned this.
At the same time, Ryabkov hinted that few in Europe are ready to build a "security architecture" together with Russia, and most countries remain within the collective West.
In Ryabkov’s view, "an indivisible security space in Europe, if recognized at all, will only be within the framework of the collective West."
"Frankly, this does not inspire optimism and clearly indicates that even under the more balanced US policy demonstrated by Washington on the Russian direction, significant risks of a Russia–NATO clash persist due to the inadequate hostile actions of European countries," added the deputy minister.
Meanwhile, political analysts warn that such statements from Moscow are nothing more than part of a propaganda campaign aimed at justifying its own militarization and putting pressure on Europe.
Indeed, such statements from Moscow have repeatedly contradicted Russia’s actual actions, including aggression against Ukraine and the buildup of military power near the EU and NATO borders.
US peace plan
The US, Ukraine, and Europe have been working for a month on refining a new American peace plan to end the Russian-Ukrainian war.
The latest round of negotiations began on Friday, December 19, in Miami.
During the meeting in Miami from December 19 to 21, Ukraine and the United States held a series of consultations, focusing on four key documents — parts of the future peace agreement.
In addition, US President’s special envoy Steve Witkoff stated after the Miami meeting that Russia remains fully committed to achieving peace in Ukraine.
At the same time, the special envoy of the Russian President, Kirill Dmitriev, left Miami without comment. He only noted that the next meeting is expected to take place in Moscow.
