Ukraine sets out 'red lines' for peace negotiations at UN Security Council
Photo: Ukraine's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Khrystyna Hayovyshyn (Getty Images)
Ukraine is ready for negotiations to end the war, but it has "red lines" that are clear and non-negotiable, according to the statement delivered by Ukraine’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Khrystyna Hayovyshyn, at a UN Security Council session.
The diplomat confirmed that Ukraine had received a draft peace plan from the United States and expressed support for US President Donald Trump’s stated intention to bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
However, Khrystyna Hayovyshyn stressed that Ukraine has its own "red lines." She noted that the country would never recognise occupied territories as "Russian," would not agree to any restriction of its right to self-defence, and would not accept limitations on its choice of alliances or blocs.
She also said that Ukraine would not reward what she described as the genocidal intent underpinning Russia’s aggression by compromising its identity, including its language.
The deputy permanent representative once again urged the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution on a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
Hayovyshyn argued that Russia’s continued escalation amounted not only to a series of military attacks but also to what she characterised as a clear rejection of peace, adding that every Russian missile demonstrated Moscow’s preference for escalation over dialogue.
According to her, Ukraine has sought peace since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion and supports all substantive initiatives that could help achieve it.
She said Ukraine had supported the US president’s proposals aimed at ending the war since early 2025 and that Kyiv remained ready to work constructively with the United States as well as with partners in Europe and around the world.
Hayovyshyn expressed confidence that Russia would not stop without sustained and comprehensive pressure, adding that the only realistic way to end the war was to force Russia to retreat economically, politically and militarily.
UN Security Council meeting and Russia's strike on Ternopil
Ukraine had intended to place Russia’s strike on a residential building in Ternopil at the centre of the UN Security Council meeting on 20 November.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that Ukraine was calling for condemnation, justice and a decisive response.
In the early hours of Wednesday, 19 November, Russian forces carried out a combined attack on Ternopil using missiles and strike drones.
The attack damaged residential buildings and resulted in casualties. Part of a multi-storey building collapsed, and rescue operations are ongoing.
According to the latest information, twenty-eight people were killed and more than ninety were injured. Among the dead and wounded are children. Sixteen people remain missing.
