Ukraine rejects Russian neutrality proposals, says peace deal must offer security

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that peace negotiations must lead to a fair deal for Ukraine that includes reliable security guarantees that protect it from future threats.

“We can and must fight today, now. We can and must defend our state, our life, our Ukrainian life. We can and must negotiate a just but fair peace for Ukraine, real security guarantees that will work,” he said in a video address.

Ukraine’s top negotiator Mikhailo Podolyak said it wants its security to be guaranteed by international forces and rejected proposals pushed by Russia for it to adopt a neutral status comparable to Austria or Sweden.

“Ukraine is now in a direct state of war with Russia. As a result, the model can only be ‘Ukrainian’ and only on legally verified security guarantees,” Podolyak said in comments published by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office.