Russia demands 'ironclad' guarantees for Ukraine peace deal
What's the story
Russia has once again reiterated its position on the Ukraine conflict, saying that any peace deal would need guarantees that Ukraine would never join NATO.
Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko reiterated the demand in a recent interview.
Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff said President Donald Trump would discuss the proposed 30-day ceasefire plan with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week.
No NATO expansion
Grushko insists on ironclad security guarantees
Grushko didn't mention the ceasefire proposal during his interview but reiterated that any lasting peace treaty must be supplemented with strong security guarantees.
"We will demand that ironclad security guarantees become part of this agreement."
The deputy foreign minister also proclaimed Russia won't allow NATO forces in Ukraine, irrespective of their designation.
He warned, "If they appear there, it means they are part of the conflict, with all the consequences that come with that."
Global response
France, Britain offer peacekeeping forces to Ukraine
Despite Russia's firm stance, France and Britain have said they would send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine. Australian PM Anthony Albanese also said his country was open to such a request.
Grushko hinted only unarmed observers would be acceptable after a peace deal, saying, "We can talk about unarmed observers... In the meantime, it's just hot air."
French President Emmanuel Macron said it was up to Ukraine, not Russia.
Diplomatic efforts
US officials optimistic about Ukraine-Russia ceasefire deal
US officials are hopeful of a ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia within weeks.
Witkoff, who met with Putin recently, said the talks were "positive." However, it is expected Ukraine would have to make significant concessions for a settlement.
The US has proposed a halt in fighting after talks in Saudi Arabia, which Kyiv has accepted.
Diplomatic developments
US Secretary of State optimistic about negotiations
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio termed his recent talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov "promising." He said he was hoping for an announcement soon.
But Putin hasn't given a clear response to the US proposal and raised several conditions.
Michael Waltz, Trump's national security advisor, suggested Ukraine might have to give up territory and its NATO aspirations for a settlement.