Kiev proposes to Moscow the security guarantees of the 1994 ‘Budapest Memorandum’

Diplomacy continues to operate in the conflict with Russia, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said today.

“Yes, we see what is happening on the front, we see what Russia is doing, but diplomacy is still working,” he told a news broadcast on Ukraina 24.

Kiev will “do everything to ensure that Russia remains on the diplomatic path”, but is also preparing “just in case”, according to Kuleba.

“We are ready, we are stronger than we were in 2014,” he said.

Kiev hopes Russia will take part in Ukraine’s proposed negotiations on security guarantees under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum of Understanding or use violence against Ukraine’s territorial integrity or political independence. They also pledged not to use financial coercion against it for their own benefit), but if he refuses the talks will have to take place again, Kuleba said.

“These security guarantees were produced in Ukraine in 1994 not by one group of countries, but by each country separately, and these guarantees were merged into one document. Therefore, Russia’s refusal is not a reason not to hold consultations. But we hope that Russia will confirm its participation. ”

However, clear decisions must be made after consulting with the guarantor countries of the agreement on ensuring Ukrainian security, he stressed.

“Kiev wants peace and does not plan bombings or provocations against Russia,” he said.

“Ukraine is not planning and carrying out aggressive military operations or provocations, sabotage, bombing of Russian territory … We are not seeking war, we are striving for peace,” he said. allegedly hit Russian territory.

Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ