Politics & Diplomacy
Sybiha: “Russia must be cornered” before real talks can happen; yes to a Zelensky-Putin meeting with Trump or Erdogan
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in an interview with RBC-Ukraine on October 12 that “appeasement never brings peace” and that Russia has to be cornered before genuine negotiations are possible.
“Appeasement never brings peace.” With those words Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha summed up Kyiv’s line in an interview with RBC-Ukraine on October 12. In his view, for real negotiations to take place, “Russia must be cornered”. “How are they supposed to feel cornered if they meet world leaders and invite them to sporting events and cultural events?” he asked.
The interview came after a new turn by Donald Trump, who accused Volodymyr Zelensky of “not wanting a deal” and agreed with Moscow on the purchase of hundreds of thousands of tonnes of Russian diesel (see our report on Trump on Zelensky).
Three tools of pressure
Sybiha avoided barbs at Washington and proposed three tools of pressure: tougher sanctions that would “destroy” the Russian economy, moves on frozen Russian assets, and further international isolation of Moscow. He thinks the US midterm elections may be shaping public positions in Washington, but insists that easing sanctions will not bring peace. The only arrangement he considers workable is a comprehensive energy ceasefire, at a time when Trump is pushing for an energy ceasefire and Zelensky is talking about a 60-day ceasefire followed by elections.
A Zelensky-Putin meeting, with Trump or Erdogan
The Ukrainian minister supports a meeting between Zelensky and Vladimir Putin, possibly with the participation of Donald Trump or Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “Only the president can resolve the most difficult issues,” he said, explaining that a limited energy ceasefire could also be agreed at the level of the negotiating teams. The mention of Erdogan shows that Kyiv still sees Turkey as a possible venue, as with the Istanbul talks.
Sanctions and the EU track
Sybiha said Ukraine is asking for sanctions on 10 more Russian oligarchs and will raise the matter at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg. He criticised the decision to remove two oligarchs from European lists, and the discussions in the United States about restarting Nord Stream. “Our answer will be very clear: we will impose sanctions on 10 Russian oligarchs every time,” he said, also calling for the two to be restored to the list.
On the European path, he said the problem with Hungary has been resolved and that the goal is to open all six negotiating clusters by the end of the year, with the roadmaps expected on October 28. Kyiv, he said, will not accept differential treatment, such as possible restrictions in the agricultural sector.
The dispute with South Korea
He also commented on the disagreement with Seoul over two North Korean prisoners of war, which led South Korea to recall its ambassador. According to Seoul, the transfer should have remained confidential. “It all came from different interpretations of the confidentiality requirements. Ukraine fulfilled all its obligations,” Sybiha said, adding that he considers the matter closed.
The interview was given in a week of heavy Russian attacks, while in Washington the debate over next steps continues.
