Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha proposed European countries to assist in reaching an agreement with Russia on a mutual cessation of strikes on airports.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, in a comment to Politico during the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, stated that Ukraine is asking Europe to help reach an agreement with Russia on a mutual cessation of strikes on airports.
The Ukrainian side envisions that such a step would provide European leaders with a concrete role in the diplomatic process amid the slowdown of negotiations mediated by the United States.
Sybiha believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin may have an incentive to join such an agreement, as major Russian aviation hubs, particularly Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow and Pulkovo in St. Petersburg, are becoming increasingly vulnerable to strikes from Ukrainian long-range weapons.
Sybiha's direct quote: "We probably need a new role for Europe in our peace efforts. Perhaps we could try to resolve this issue or achieve what is called an airport truce. Maybe if our European allies created a platform or, say, a special group, we could discuss this."
However, Kyiv is not asking Europe to replace Washington. On the contrary, according to Sybiha, any European efforts should strengthen the diplomatic process under U.S. leadership and avoid creating competing directions.
"This should be an additional direction – not instead of something, not as an alternative," emphasized Sybiha, adding that Europe should speak "with one voice."
The publication notes that the Ukrainian minister voiced this proposal to European colleagues behind closed doors. According to an anonymous European official, the EU responded cautiously, as it is necessary to first determine expectations from direct contacts with Moscow to "not act blindly."
The European Union has so far approached Kyiv's initiative cautiously, noting the need to understand Moscow's real intentions.
