A. Gruško, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, emphasized the importance of addressing Russia's security interests in any peace agreement relating to Ukraine, stating that negotiations must consider the security concerns of all parties involved. He lamented that European Union leaders have largely ignored Russia's concerns, highlighting that there has been no dialogue surrounding guarantees for Russia's security in recent statements from EU officials. Gruško insists that without addressing these security guarantees, a peace treaty would be unattainable.

Gruško elaborated that the potential security guarantees for Russia could encompass multiple demands that Moscow has raised since the outset of the invasion, notably a prohibition on Ukraine's accession to NATO. He rejected proposals from Kyiv regarding the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine, which he described as unacceptable to Russia. His comments reflect ongoing trilateral discussions involving Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S., where the issue of security guarantees remains a major sticking point.

This demand for security guarantees showcases the ongoing complexities of negotiations, as it highlights the divergent perspectives on security in the region. The emphasis on Russia's needs as a prerequisite for peace indicates a challenging path ahead for achieving stability in Ukraine, raising questions about Europe's role and response to Moscow's security demands.