Sybiha on Budapest Memorandum: Ukraine Denuclearized for Peace, Russia Responded With War

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the failure of the Budapest Memorandum to safeguard Ukraine’s territorial integrity and its right to determine its future during his speech at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Ministerial Council in Malta. His remarks were made on the 30th anniversary of the Budapest Memorandum’s signing.

“Ukraine is bleeding. Every day and night, Russia tries to cause more suffering and destruction. But Ukraine is fighting. Fighting for its right to exist. And today is a sad anniversary of one of the documents that led to this reality,” Sybiha said.

Despite its commitment to peace, Ukraine has been met with unprecedented aggression.

Ukrainian FM added that Russia’s so-called “legitimate security concerns” are a false narrative.

“When Russians say they want peace, they lie,” he said, calling for global attention to Russia’s actions rather than its words.

“In reality, Russia continues to expand the war,” the Ukrainian Minister continued, “First, by terrorizing civilians with constant missile and drone attacks, by killing entire families in their homes.”

“Second, by trying to cause a nuclear catastrophe through systemic strikes on energy infrastructure, and occupation of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. Third, by involving weapons from Iran and the DPRK, as well as deploying North Korean troops. And fourth, by firing an intermediate range ballistic missile at Ukraine,” he added.

The Budapest Memorandum’s failure has shown the devastating consequences of agreements made at Ukraine’s expense.

“There will be no compromises on our territorial integrity, sovereignty, or future security. We saw the real Russian peace plan. We saw it in Bucha, Mariupol, Izyum, and other places,” Ukrainian FM said.

Ukrainian Minister said that Russia’s version of peace has been seen in the ruins of Bucha, Mariupol, and Izyum—where mass graves, abducted children, and razed cities are the hallmarks Russian “peace process”.

“Ukrainian children sent to Russian families and given Russian names. Filtration, kill lists, forced Russification, and assimilation. We will never accept such a peace,” Sybiha said.

“Our peace plan is for Russia to get out of Ukraine and leave us alone. Entirely in accordance with the Helsinki Final Act,” Ukrainian FM said.

As the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act approaches, the Ukrainian Minister urged actions to ensure lasting peace.

“After joining NATO, Finland itself manifests the freedom of choice. This is what the people of Ukraine are fighting for. The forthcoming 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act must be an anniversary of fulfilled commitments, not unfulfilled expectations. Together we must make it a success,” Sybiha concluded.

Earlier, Ukraine called for increased pressure on Putin and his allies during a joint meeting of the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation and the Permanent Council, focusing on Russia’s use of strategic weapons in its aggression against Ukraine on November 27.