NATO Expansion Halt Demanded by Russia as Condition for Ukraine Peace

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov recently made headlines by stating that a halt to NATO expansion is a non-negotiable condition for ending the war in Ukraine. This statement is based on a memorandum from December 2020, which detailed Moscow's demands. Ryabkov's claim adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate situation. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cast doubt on Russia's sincerity, suggesting that the conditions are not genuinely intended as a basis for peace. This divergence of views underscores the challenges in achieving a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution.