'Russia is only obstacle to peace': Ukrainian FM at Ukraine-NATO Council

The press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry reported the information.

In his speech, Minister Sybiha expressed gratitude to allies for their support of Ukraine and the increase in military aid during the first months of 2025.

The Minister emphasized that Ukraine had made real steps toward peace in March. He highlighted the leadership of the United States in peace efforts and reminded that Ukraine had unconditionally agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire.

He noted that in response, Russia only issued additional demands and conditions, indicating that Russia itself is the obstacle to peace and the sole cause of the war.

Sybiha also informed attendees of specific instances where Russia violated ceasefire agreements regarding energy infrastructure and emphasized that the ceasefire in the Black Sea should apply to port infrastructure and not Russian military ships.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that Ukraine also insists on halting attacks on civilian infrastructure and has conveyed this position to the U.S. side.

"We are convinced that it is time to increase pressure on Russia. Economic pressure through sanctions. Military pressure through additional military aid to Ukraine and deterrence packages. Pressure is the only way to make Russia take peace seriously," the minister emphasized.

Sybiha reiterated Ukraine's fundamental positions, which cannot be discussed in the context of peace efforts: Ukraine will never recognize Russia's occupation of its territories; there can be no restrictions on the Ukrainian army, defense capabilities, or military assistance from partners; no third country can block Ukraine's choice of alliances or unions.

The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reminded that Ukraine's future NATO membership is legally established both in the Constitution of Ukraine and in decisions made at several NATO summits, including the previous summit in Washington.

The Minister drew the attention of allies to the fact that Ukraine today is a force strengthening the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic space.

It is Ukraine that holds back aggressive Russia, which is the main threat to the Alliance. The Ukrainian army is the largest land army on the continent with unique experience, and our state spends 26% on defense and is capable of producing millions of drones per year, among other achievements of the Ukrainian high-tech defense industry.

"Ukraine is already and will be a powerful military force in Eastern Europe. The strategic choice before you is whether this force will be in NATO or outside NATO," stated Andriy Sybiha.

The Minister emphasized that Ukraine's defense-industrial complex is currently one of the most dynamic in the world and called on allies to continue increasing investments in Ukrainian weapons production.

He also welcomed the discussions on reliable security guarantees for Ukraine within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing led by the United Kingdom and France, stressing the need for future allied presence on land, air, and sea.

The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted Ukraine's priority short-term needs, including additional air defense systems and ammunition, shells, drones, and other equipment.

Among the key positions expressed by most of the participants in the meeting was support for the peace efforts of the United States and the emphasis that Ukraine is taking steps towards peace, while Russia is stalling. Most allies also supported the call for increased pressure on Russia to force it to peace, as well as the need to strengthen support for Ukraine and its defense capabilities. Several NATO member states announced new specific commitments and aid packages, which will be announced soon.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expressed deep gratitude to NATO allies for their firm and unwavering support of our country in the face of Russian aggression.

"Today, we feel that we are not alone. Thank you, and I look forward to further concrete decisions," he concluded.

• On April 3, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at NATO headquarters. They discussed Ukraine's interest in achieving peace and an agreement on minerals.