Russia is also not looking forward to a war in Ukraine, but Moscow is not prepared to talk endlessly. This was stated by Alexander Tokovinin, the Russian ambassador to our country, in the Committee on Foreign Relations in the Chamber.
“We are prepared to take the diplomatic path, but we have often noticed that we are not being heard. The hour of truth has arrived. All partners participating in the conversation should make diplomatic efforts,” Tokovinin said. He referred, among other things, to the conversation that French President Emmanuel Macron had today with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
Tokovinin also hopes that Belgium can play a role. “We understand that Belgium takes the EU’s general position, but your country is known for its ability to think pragmatically and come to a reasonable solution. We hope that will continue to be the case,” he said.
“Internal Security”
The ambassador also stated that his country does not want war. “Not in Ukraine and not in other places. But at the same time, we also have to guarantee our internal security,” Tokovinin said. He states that his country is feeling increasing military pressure, for example in Ukraine itself on the border with Russia and in the Black Sea.
Tokovinin thinks Ukraine is getting too close to NATO. “Each country has the freedom to choose its allies, but on the other hand, that shouldn’t stand in the way of the security of other states,” he said.
“Red line”
Furthermore, the ambassador emphasized that Russia “does not want to turn Ukraine into a Russian region”. “We consider it an autonomous country,” said Tokovinin. “But it has no experience as an autonomous state. Russia has supported the young state – especially at independence – with subsidies, oil and gas. That support was based on the idea that close relations would develop between the two peoples, thanks to a common past.”
“We will not allow Ukraine to become anti-Russian, so joining NATO remains a red line for us,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Yehor Pyvovaro, the Ukrainian ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg, was heard by the commission. He stated that Ukraine is ready to resolve the conflict with Russia through diplomatic channels, but that his country does not negotiate territorial integrity.
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