Shoigu: Kyiv Cannot Be Trusted on Security Guarantees

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu voiced strong skepticism regarding the possibility of discussing security guarantees in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Speaking on February 27, 2025, during a meeting in Moscow, Shoigu asserted that Kyiv has demonstrated its unreliability by violating past agreements, casting doubt on any new promises from the Ukrainian government.

His remarks underscore the Kremlin’s deep mistrust towards negotiations, particularly as Ukraine seeks international guarantees to help resolve the war. While Shoigu did not specify the particular incidents he was referencing, his comments clearly allude to the historical context of Russia’s relations with Ukraine and the West. He emphasized that previous agreements, including the Minsk accords and Kyiv’s earlier commitments, have ultimately proven to be empty promises.

This statement comes at a time when the global community is once again contemplating potential peace initiatives, including proposals from the newly reinstated U.S. administration under President Donald Trump. Since Trump’s return to office, discussions about reaching a compromise between Russia and Ukraine have gained traction in Washington. Trump has previously stated his intention to “end the conflict in six months,” with his team, including special envoy Keith Kellogg, suggesting that security guarantees could be part of a resolution.

However, based on Shoigu’s comments, it appears that Moscow views these initiatives as a repetition of past mistakes, further complicating the prospects for meaningful negotiations.