Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has stated that Russia will not show readiness for real negotiations as long as it counts on achieving its goals through escalation and pressure on Kyiv. According to the head of the Ukrainian foreign policy department, the aggressor seeks to force Ukraine into capitulation because it failed to achieve its objectives on the battlefield. Sybiha stressed that ending the war is impossible by stopping Ukrainian resistance, and the only way to achieve peace is to stop the aggressor's attacks through united international pressure.
The Strategy of Peace Through Strength and Kyiv's Position
Commenting on the current diplomatic dynamics, Andrii Sybiha noted that the concept of peace through strength remains the only working strategy, but such pressure must be directed exclusively against the Russian Federation, not against the defending side. Official Kyiv insists that any attempts to force Ukraine into concessions by restricting critical arms supplies, in particular missiles for Patriot air defense systems, or disrupting communication systems like Starlink, are regarded as elements of a campaign to coerce capitulation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously also stated the continuous increase of such pressure.
Diplomatic Maneuvers and Reaction to Moscow's Statements
The sharp reaction of the Ukrainian minister came in response to statements by Russian leadership aide Yuri Ushakov, who publicly complained about the inability of the United States to exert sufficient pressure on Kyiv to accept Russian terms. Ushakov also mentioned the possibility of resuming trilateral contacts in the Ukraine-Russia-US format after November 4, suggesting a meeting could take place in Abu Dhabi or Switzerland, although he skeptically assessed its prospects, calling the upcoming round preliminary. Preparation for a possible diplomatic process is indirectly confirmed in Washington as well: House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the US administration is on the verge of organizing such talks.
Prospects for the Negotiating Process and the Impact of External Factors
The current situation demonstrates a deep deadlock in diplomatic efforts, as Moscow and Kyiv blame each other for the lack of progress. While the Russian side relies on a negotiating track involving the US and European capitals after the November milestones, the Ukrainian leadership firmly stands on the inadmissibility of compromises at the expense of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Further developments will depend on the degree of resilience of international support for Ukraine, the volume of military aid, and the readiness of Western partners to maintain a tough sanctions and political course against the Kremlin.
