Ankara: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced Tuesday that Kyiv is prepared for an "unconditional ceasefire" with Russia, while emphasizing the necessity of US involvement in the peace process to realistically end the ongoing conflict.
According to Anadolu Agency, Sybiha made his remarks during a panel named "Turning the Tables: Ukraine as a Security Provider for Europe," held alongside the NATO summit in Ankara. He declared Ukraine's commitment to peace and highlighted the country's practical proposals to achieve it. Sybiha also stated that any future peace agreement should include legally binding bilateral security guarantees from the United States.
Sybiha further noted that Ukraine would require military support, progress towards European Union membership, and a stronger military to deter future aggression if peace was violated again. The panel at Ankara Palas also included Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen and Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard.
Berendsen emphasized the Netherlands' decision to increase defense spending due to its own security needs, not due to pressure from Washington. He identified Russia as a significant threat to Europe and NATO, advocating for increased support for Ukraine and greater pressure on Russia. The Netherlands, he mentioned, is ready to assist in advancing peace negotiations.
Stenergard pointed out that current support for Ukraine is inadequate, urging allies to boost financial assistance. She highlighted that Nordic countries, despite their small share of NATO's population, have provided a substantial portion of the alliance's support to Ukraine. Stenergard argued that if other countries matched their contributions, the war might have already concluded. She also stressed the importance of rebuilding Ukraine post-war for lasting peace and reinforced the need for stronger sanctions against Russia.
The Ankara summit gathers leaders from the 32-member alliance and key partners to discuss Europe's defense capabilities, defense spending targets, military modernization, and ongoing support for Ukraine. This event marks the second NATO summit hosted by Trkiye, following the 2004 Istanbul summit, offering a platform for bilateral meetings between Trkiye and allied nations on political, security, and economic cooperation.