Ukraine rejects Sweden and Austria’s “neutrality” model

THE Ukraine claimed its own model of neutrality in negotiations with the Russia. “Ukraine’s model of neutrality can only be Ukrainian”, assured this Wednesday (16) Mikhail Podoliak, adviser to the cabinet of the President Volodymyr Zelenskyaccording to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

The Kiev representative referred to statements made earlier by the head of the Ukrainian delegation Vladimir Medinsky, who said the possibility of Ukraine becoming a neutral and demilitarized state, like Austria and Sweden, was on the table.

“Ukraine is now in a state of direct war with the Russian Federation. Therefore, the model to follow can only be the Ukrainian one and only on legally verified security guarantees. There are no other models or options,” added the aide. “We need direct and rigid guarantees that the sky will be effectively closed.”

Finally, Podoliak recalled that the country did not attack, nor did it plan to attack its neighbors, as Russia did, “so Ukraine wants to have a really powerful group of allies, with clearly defined security guarantees.” Austria and Sweden, cited as a model by Russia, have an army, but are not part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).