Russia has signalled its willingness to provide a formal legal commitment that it has no intention of attacking either the European Union or NATO, according to remarks made by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and reported by the state-run RIA news agency.
The statement, which has not yet been independently verified, comes amid ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
Ryabkov’s comments suggest Moscow may be open to codifying assurances in a binding agreement, a move that could form part of wider efforts to secure a ceasefire.
The proposal coincides with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent offer to drop his country’s ambition to join NATO, a gesture intended to demonstrate Kyiv’s readiness to compromise in pursuit of peace.
In exchange, Zelenskyy and European allies have been pressing for “article-5-like” security guarantees from Europe and the United States.
NATO’s Article 5 enshrines the principle that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, and Kyiv has sought similar protections to ensure its sovereignty is safeguarded even outside formal NATO membership.
American officials last week indicated that Washington was prepared to extend NATO-style security guarantees to Ukraine as part of a framework for an eventual ceasefire.
Such guarantees would represent a significant shift in Western policy, offering Ukraine collective defence assurances without full NATO accession.
The developments highlight the complex diplomatic manoeuvring underway as both sides weigh concessions.
For Russia, a legal pledge not to attack NATO or the EU could be aimed at easing fears in Europe and reducing pressure from Western governments.
For Ukraine, dropping its NATO membership bid is a major concession, but one balanced by demands for robust security guarantees.
Analysts caution that while Ryabkov’s remarks may signal a softer tone, trust remains a central obstacle. NATO members have repeatedly accused Russia of violating international agreements, while Moscow insists its security concerns have been ignored.
The situation underscores the fragile state of negotiations. With the war grinding on and ceasefire talks stalling, the prospect of legally binding assurances and NATO-like guarantees may represent one of the few pathways toward de-escalation. Whether these proposals can be translated into enforceable agreements remains uncertain.
Sources: RIA Novosti, Reuters, The Guardian, Al Jazeera
