Sybiha outlines Ukraine’s position on security guarantees to Rubio and European colleagues

Sybiha said this in a post on the social media platform X, according to Ukrinform.

He noted that the conversation, focused on the path to peace and security guarantees for Ukraine, was organized by Marco Rubio in cooperation with Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas.

Sybiha noted that the conversation was based on leaders’ earlier contacts, President Zelensky's successful visit to Washington, and the ongoing work of national security advisors.

“I reiterated Ukraine’s position that security guarantees must be concrete, legally binding, and effective. They should be multidimensional, including military, diplomatic, legal, and other levels,” the Ukrainian minister said.

Sybiha noted that the participants in the conversation “share the conviction that the Ukrainian army is the fundamental level of any such guarantees, therefore its maximum strengthening is our top priority”.

Sybiha affirmed that Ukraine is ready to take further steps toward peace: “We are ready for meetings at the level of leaders in any formats and geographies. We are ready to put an end to the killing and give diplomacy a chance”.

The Ukrainian official emphasized that Moscow must understand that “it cannot drag its feet forever”. “If Russia continues to reject meaningful, constructive steps toward peace, it must face consequences: severe increase in sanctions and strengthening for Ukraine’s capabilities,” Sybiha stressed.  

According to the U.S. Department of State, participants in the conversation “agreed to continue cooperation in diplomatic efforts to bring the Russia-Ukraine war to an end through a lasting negotiated settlement”.

As reported by Ukrinform, on Ukraine’s Independence Day, Sybiha joined an online meeting of the G7 foreign ministers and called for increased pressure on Russia.

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