Russia Has No Veto Over Ukraine’s Sovereign Choices, Ukrainian FM Sybiha Says

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that any negotiations concerning the war in Ukraine must adhere to non-negotiable principles. One of these principles is that no country has the right to veto the choices of the Ukrainian people.

In an interview with RBC-Ukraine on March 17, Sybiha outlined several fundamental aspects that remain unchanged in Ukraine’s position:

• Territorial integrity and sovereignty – Kyiv will not recognize occupied territories as anything other than part of Ukraine.

• Sovereign decision-making – No external power can dictate Ukraine’s decisions regarding alliances, including NATO and the European Union.

• Defense capabilities – There can be no restrictions on Ukraine’s military capabilities or its right to strengthen national defense.

“These are fundamental elements that our partners are well aware of. Russia must be held accountable. These principles are also reflected in Ukraine’s ‘peace formula,’ outlining our stance on the international stage. Our position remains clear—‘nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,’ and ‘nothing about Europe without Europe’—a stance that is supported internationally,” Sybiha emphasized.

Sybiha also addressed discussions on the potential deployment of European military personnel in Ukraine as part of future security guarantees.

“We have a clear understanding of which countries are willing to deploy their forces as a crucial element of the security framework. Discussions are now focused on specifics—geography, numbers, and operational mandates,” he said.

When asked about the role of the United States in this initiative, the minister underscored the critical importance of American participation.

Sybiha further commented on the concept of a ceasefire, clarifying that Ukraine is considering a temporary cessation of hostilities rather than a frozen war.

“We are discussing a temporary ceasefire for 30 days, as outlined in our joint statement with the US delegation. However, Russia cannot impose additional conditions for agreeing to this measure,” he stated.

Recalling past ceasefire violations under the Minsk agreements, Sybiha stressed the necessity of an effective monitoring mechanism.

“A credible and objective monitoring process is crucial. It must include an international component while maintaining Ukraine’s role in oversight, as this concerns Ukrainian territory,” he added.

According to the minister, oversight of the ceasefire will also involve the use of unmanned aerial systems, an area in which Ukraine has made significant advancements in recent years.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the U.S. and its allies should maintain a firm stance on ceasefire negotiations, urging them to pressure Russia into making the first move.

Speaking in Kyiv on March 15, he highlighted that Ukraine’s diplomatic success in Jeddah had complicated Russia’s position, leaving Moscow to decide whether to pursue peace or continue hostilities.