Ukrainian ambassador warns against ceasefire strengthening Russia's hand
A few weeks ago, Vladimir Putin admitted he was ready to halt the fighting in Ukraine through a negotiated ceasefire, which would account for the Ukrainian territories currently occupied by Russia. The Ukrainian ambassador, however, disagrees with this approach, citing numerous threats to his country.
The idea of a ceasefire has been periodically proposed by leaders of NATO member states and, recently, by Vladimir Putin. However, many experts point out that it would not benefit Ukraine, only Russia.
The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) warned that Russia would likely take advantage of any ceasefire in Ukraine to prepare for future offensive operations. The Ukrainian ambassador now speaks in a similar tone.
A ceasefire without the withdrawal of Russian troops from the occupied territories would give the aggressor "time to strengthen their capabilities and resume attacks on Ukraine," said the Ukrainian ambassador to Turkey, Vasyl Bodnar, quoted by "Ukrayinska Pravda."
He adds that many countries have proposed the idea of a ceasefire, but no one thinks about what it implies.
A ceasefire would mean that 25 percent of Ukraine's territory would remain under Russian control, and it would also give Russia more time to strengthen its capabilities and resume attacks on Ukraine, he added.
Bodnar emphasized that resolving the problem of Russian occupation, which has been ongoing in Ukraine for over two years, solely depends on protecting Ukraine's territorial integrity under international law.
Bodnar also explained that the Ukrainian vision of ending the war is consistent and unchangeable.
Our methods for achieving peace are very simple: withdrawal of Russian troops and protection of international law, then we can start talking about other possibilities, he admitted.
The Ukrainian ambassador on joining NATO
Ukraine, in its desire to join NATO, has no intention of provoking Russia or causing geopolitical changes. The goal is solely security and "lasting peace".
NATO is the only institution that can meet the demands of the modern world in terms of security, at least on paper, said Bodnar.
He stressed that if Ukraine becomes a NATO member, it will be a natural border between the remaining alliance members and Russia.
