Russia is trying to condition agreements on easing sanctions.
This was stated by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on X, Ukrinform reports.
“Unfortunately, we can already see Russia attempting to manipulate and condition agreements on sanctions relief or anything else. But this is only reflected in Russia’s own statements,” Sybiha said.
The head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stressed that it is necessary to monitor the actions of the aggressor state, not follow their statements.
“Russia always lies, but now it will be especially visible for the entire world if Putin will continue to prolong the war,” he said. “We do not trust Russian words, and nobody should. Everyone should focus on Russian actions, not their statements. The coming days will be critical in determining whether Russia is serious about peace or intends to deceive the United States and the world.”
The top diplomat recalled that Ukraine agreed to the U.S. proposal for a full 30-day ceasefire back on March 11, while Russia rejected it.
“Pressure is the only cure for Russian lies. Moscow must face appropriate consequences for any manipulation or breach of agreements. We continue to work with our partners to ensure this,” he added.
As Ukrinform reported earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that on the day of the talks, the Russian side had already demonstrated manipulative attempts to distort the agreements reached in Saudi Arabia.
On March 25, the Kremlin announced that the deal on the security of navigation in the Black Sea would enter into force only after some restrictions against Russia were lifted.
Prior to this, the White House published a statement on the outcome of the negotiations between the American and Ukrainian delegations in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). It states that the United States and Ukraine agreed on ensuring safe navigation, refraining from the use of force, and preventing the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea.
The United States and Ukraine also agreed to develop measures to implement the agreements reached between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky on the prohibition of strikes on energy facilities in Russia and Ukraine.
Source: Moscow must face consequences for any breach of agreements – MFA Ukraine
