SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 9 February 2025, Sunday |

Ukraine open to discussing ‘non-NATO models’, negotiator tells Fox News

One of Ukraine’s negotiators told Fox News that the country is unwilling to compromise on territorial integrity in discussions with Russia, but is ready to considering “non-NATO models” for its future in a larger arena.

Ukraine has sought membership in the European Union and NATO, both of which are opposed by Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin has referenced Ukraine’s possible NATO membership as proof of NATO hostility toward Russia.

“The response that we are getting from the NATO countries is that they are not ready to even discuss having us in NATO, not for the next period of five or 10 years,” negotiator David Arakhamia said in remarks published on the Fox News website late on Saturday.

“We are ready to discuss some non-NATO models. For example, there could be direct guarantees by different countries like the U.S., China, UK, maybe Germany and France. We are open to discussing such things in a broader circle, not only in bilateral discussions with Russia but also with other partners.”

Delegations from Ukraine and Russia have had two rounds of talks since Russia launched an invasion of its neighbour on Feb. 24.

On Thursday, the sides agreed to open humanitarian corridors to allow civilians out of some combat zones, although there have been delays in implementing them.

The next round of talks is due on Monday, according to the Ukrainian side.

    Source:
  • Reuters