War has reached turning point as pressure on Russia grows, Ukraine's FM says
Andrii Sybiha (photo: facebook.com/andrij.sybiha/)
A turning point is unfolding in the Russia-Ukraine war, and peace will require three key elements, according to Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Sybiha said he took part in an informal ministerial meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council in Helsingborg, attended by the foreign ministers of NATO allied countries. He noted that Russia's manpower is no longer an advantage in the war.
"We are at a pivotal moment in the war, and the pressure mounts on Moscow. Ukraine holds the line, and Russia's manpower is no longer a decisive advantage," the minister stressed.
He noted that achieving peace requires focusing on three important elements: diplomacy, pressure, and strength.
"We need a new push in our peace efforts, while ramping up our special long-range sanctions and other leverage," Sybiha wrote.
He also said he informed allies about the growing threats coming from Belarus and called for appropriate actions, deterrence, and steps to prevent expansion by Moscow and Minsk.
Ukraine, for its part, is no longer simply asking for donations but is also a participant in the security guarantee process, a donor, and a partner ready to "share our expertise with allies."
"Increased defense spending is a guarantee of peace, and I encourage every NATO member to contribute to the defense of Ukraine. This investment will bring the greatest peace dividend of our lifetime. I extend a special appreciation to Sweden for being a great ally, and to Foreign Minister Maria Stenergard for the warm welcome and hospitality," Ukraine's foreign minister said.
Summing up, Sybiha added that NATO has grown stronger over the past year, and the decision to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP became a historic milestone, "and the United States needs to be credited for this."
Turning point and peace
Recently, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also said he sees signs of a turning point in Russia's war against Ukraine.
He noted that the Ukrainian side has the advantage, while Russia is experiencing weaknesses economically, internally, and on the battlefield.
Earlier, Sybiha also said that Ukraine's basic condition for concluding a peace agreement with Russia is that Kyiv will make no territorial concessions regarding the current front line.
