Ukraine's Foreign Minister outlines real indicator of Russia's willingness for ceasefire

Sybiha said the outcomes of this week's intense diplomacy can be viewed from three perspectives: Ukrainian, Russian, and global.

From the Ukrainian perspective, we confirmed our commitment to peace and agreed on the return of 1,000 of our people.

From the Russian perspective, Putin used the Istanbul meeting for domestic propaganda purposes and to fake the peace process. He aimed to buy time and delay new sanctions. He tries to appear constructive while actually refusing to end the war.

From a global perspective, there is only one real indicator of Russia's readiness to stop the war: Putin's agreement to an unconditional, full, and durable ceasefire.

The Minister believes the world cannot allow Russia to use the Istanbul meeting as an excuse to continue its aggression.

"More measures can be implemented, in addition to the 17th EU package, which we welcome. Oil price cap, embargo on Russian energy in Europe, shadow fleet, full sectoral sanctions against the banking sector and central bank, and other actions by Europe, the United States, and other partners," the Minister said.

According to Sybiha, economic pressure must go hand in hand with efforts to strengthen Ukraine. This includes additional deterrence packages, air defense systems, and investments in the defense industry.

"We continue to urge Russia to accept a full and durable ceasefire, put an end to the killing, and engage in a meaningful peace process. And this should be done now. Each day of refusal must increase the pressure on Moscow," the Minister added.

Peace plan for Ukraine

Earlier, media reports said that the US, Europe, and Ukraine had developed a list of conditions with 22 points to end the war.

RBC-Ukraine also reported that EU countries approved the 17th sanctions package against Russia. It targets Russia's shadow fleet and companies helping Moscow bypass existing sanctions.