Russia sees Ukraine’s abandonment of its goal of NATO membership as the “cornerstone” for further talks to end the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accommodated the Russians on Sunday by abandoning that goal.
He does, however, want security guarantees from the West.
“This matter is one of the cornerstones and requires special talks,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded. He said he expected the Americans to soon update Russia on the talks in Berlin.
Zelenskyy is present there to speak with American negotiators. Later on Monday, several European leaders will also travel to the German capital.
Russia has long demanded a commitment that Ukraine would not join NATO. The Kremlin also wants Ukraine to cede the entire Donbas, including the parts currently in Ukrainian hands.
According to insiders, the Americans want Kyiv to give up the area, even now that Zelenskyy has abandoned his NATO bid.
