"We can not allow Minsk-3": Stoltenberg recalls how previous agreements with Russia have ended

Russia has regularly violated its "peace" promises and expanded its war against Ukraine, so a "Minsk-3" cannot be allowed. Only Kyiv has the right to decide what conditions are acceptable for any negotiations because Ukraine is a sovereign independent state.

This was stated by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at a press conference dedicated to the upcoming summit of the military bloc (it will be held in Washington, DC, from July 9 to 11, 2024). The politician was asked whether the allies are determined enough to resist attempts to push Kyiv to accept unfavorable terms.

"Out leaders are resolute and strong, and this will be made clear at the NATO Summit, where I expect a strong package of assistance for Ukraine," the Secretary-General replied.

He said that the new assistance would include training for new recruits, financial commitments, bilateral security agreements, transfer of weapons and equipment, etc.

Only the Ukrainian state has the right to decide on the negotiations."What we have to do as NATO members is to help Ukraine strengthen its position because we know that there is a very strong connection between what happens at the negotiating table and the situation on the battlefield," Stoltenberg said.

He does not believe that dictator Vladimir Putin wants real negotiations as his last "offer" was essentially a demand to give up part of Ukrainian territory to Russia.

Stoltenberg reminded that the war of aggression began in Crimea in 2014. Then the Russians entered the eastern part of Donbas. Then they allegedly agreed on a ceasefire in the Minsk agreements but "violated them, moved the front line even further west, agreed on Minsk-2, waited seven years, and then launched a full-scale offensive and captured even more."

"We cannot allow Minsk-3," the Secretary-General summarized.

Even after Russia stops its aggression, Ukraine must be given the ability to deter the enemy and "certain security guarantees". "And, of course, this is also one of the reasons why the allies have been so clear that Ukraine will become a NATO member," Stoltenberg said.

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