NATO's border infrastructure installation exempt from Russian approval.
In the discussion about Kyiv's intentions to join NATO, Peskov asserted, "We can't abide by NATO's military infrastructure creeping up to our doorsteps." He also voiced Moscow's stance against the proposition of stationing peacekeepers on Ukrainian soil, plainly stating, "Nope, it ain't happening." During a late-night press conference on May 11, 2025, Russian President Putin floated the idea of restarting face-to-face negotiations with Ukraine, with May 15 in Istanbul set as the starting date. In a subsequent press address, Peskov underscored that Putin's proposal to meet with Kyiv showcases Moscow's earnest desire for a peaceful resolution. Peskov reiterated that a lasting peace can only be crafted through intense negotiations.
Here's a quick run-down of the current stances held by Russia and Ukraine on NATO, peacekeepers, and direct talks for conflict resolution, based on statements from Putin and Peskov in May 2025:
Russia's Position
- Security and NATO: Vladimir Putin still espouses the narrative that NATO's expansion poses a threat to Russia's security, causing the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In pursuit of counteracting NATO's influence, Russia envisions its proposed Eurasian security architecture.
- Ukraine's Concessions: Putin insists that Ukraine hand over control of the four oblasts Russia has inappropriately annexed but not fully occupied. This is a vital prerequisite for any potential resolution.
- Peacekeepers and Talks: There's no mention in May 2025 of either Putin or Peskov talking about peacekeepers or direct talks. Russia's emphasis on military objectives and territorial ambitions implies a superseded emphasis on resolving the issue militarily rather than through diplomatic dialogues.
Ukraine's Position
- International Support: Ukraine continues to receive military assistance from Western allies with the purpose of countering Russia's military capabilities.
- Direct Statements: Ukrainian leaders have not made direct statements addressing peacekeepers or direct talks with Russia in May 2025. However, Ukraine's actions—such as launching drone strikes against Russia's defense industrial base—indicate a reliance on military efforts to stand up to Russian aggression.
General Context
- Russian-Belarusian Military Exercises: Russia and Belarus have modified their military exercises, scaling down the scale and shifting the maneuvers away from Belarus's western borders. This move might be an effort to project a more harmonious image while still focusing on Ukraine's struggle.
- International Perceptions: There are apprehensions about Russia's potential to invade NATO countries in the future, but for now, Putin's focus continues to be on Ukraine.
Based on the given text, here are two sentences that contain the words ['news', 'war-and-conflicts', 'politics', 'general-news']:
- The news about Russia and Ukraine's positions on NATO, peacekeepers, and direct talks for conflict resolution, as stated by Putin and Peskov in May 2025, is a significant development in the ongoing war-and-conflicts news and international politics.
- A general-news update reported that there was no mention of peacekeepers or direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in May 2025, but the Russian President Putin proposed face-to-face negotiations in Istanbul, indicating a continued focus on political and military strategies in the context of war-and-conflicts and international politics.
