Russia sets ceasefire demands at UN Security Council, Ukraine responds

This was reported by Ukrinform.

On Friday, May 30, during the Security Council session, Russia’s permanent representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, outlined Russia’s demands for Ukraine to secure an agreement on a ceasefire.

He stated that, for the duration of a ceasefire, Western countries must halt weapons deliveries, and Ukraine must stop mobilization. Nebenzya also reiterated the need to address the "root causes" of the war.

In addition, the Russian representative threatened Germany in response to the lifting of restrictions on the use of long-range Western weapons for strikes on Russian military targets.

Nebenzya claimed that Europe "hopes they can get away with anything," singling out the UK for allegedly assisting Ukraine in planning the destruction of the Crimean Bridge. Once again, he threatened the West with "consequences" for supporting Ukraine.

The Russian envoy also claimed that Russia is targeting Ukraine's military-industrial facilities, which are disguised as civilian infrastructure, while Ukraine allegedly targets civilians in Russia.

"Our goals [editor’s note: Russia’s] can be achieved by either military or peaceful means... We will fight as long as necessary," Nebenzya added.

Reaction from Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry

Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha noted that while the world is calling for an immediate end to the killing and for meaningful diplomacy, Russia is using the highest diplomatic platforms for warlike rhetoric.

"This is a slap in the face from Russia to everyone who stands for peace—not only to Ukraine but also to the United States, European countries, China, Brazil, and others," he said.

Sybiha called for a response to Russia’s brazen statements, which threaten the peace process, and insisted on the urgent need to ramp up pressure on Moscow.

"They don’t understand normal treatment or diplomatic language; it’s time to speak to them in the language of sanctions and increased support for Ukraine," the Foreign Ministry official added.

• On May 29, the United States told the UN Security Council that it may step back from peace efforts if Russia makes the wrong choice and continues its war against Ukraine.