Why peace deal with Russia won’t protect Ukraine — Portnikov

All agreements on security guarantees for Ukraine can only be implemented during the war with Russia, Ukrainian journalist Vitaliy Portnikov said on Espreso TV.

He stressed that a peace deal with Moscow is only possible if Ukraine clearly rejects the stationing of any foreign troops on its territory.

«No other version of a peace treaty will be signed by Russia. There are no instruments that would force the Kremlin to accept NATO troops in Ukraine. Either Western countries dare to act during the war, ignoring Moscow’s opinion, or it will never happen, ” Portnikov explained.

In his view, if the issue of foreign troops is postponed until a peace treaty is signed, Russia will deliberately prolong the war. Moscow will always insist on Ukraine’s neutrality, non-membership in NATO, and the absence of Alliance forces near its borders.

The publicist adds that the Kremlin interprets «security guarantees» in a way that ensures not only Ukraine’s security but also Russia’s. Moreover, under such a treaty even NATO countries could be forced to remove part of their weaponry from Russia’s borders.

«There is no reason to expect such a peace deal. This means security guarantees for Ukraine are possible either now — during wartime — or never, ” Portnikov concluded.