**Ukraine Sets Conditions for Russia Talks**
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has outlined three key conditions for future negotiations to end the war against Ukraine. These conditions were published on March 17 in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
**Territorial Integrity Non-Negotiable**
Sybiha stressed that Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are non-negotiable. He reaffirmed that Kyiv will never recognize Russian–occupied territories as part of Russia. This stance was also voiced by President Volodymyr Zelensky on March 12.
**Ukraine Chooses Its Alliances**
The second condition is Ukraine’s right to choose its alliances, said Sybiha. He emphasized that no country should have a veto over Ukraine’s NATO and EU aspirations. Kyiv officially applied to join NATO in September 2022, and the alliance declared Ukraine’s path to membership “irreversible” in 2024.
**Self-Defense Unrestricted**
Sybiha also underscored that Ukraine’s ability to defend itself must remain unrestricted. This means there can be no restrictions on the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He said, “Russia must be held accountable. These are all elements of a lasting peace.”
**U.S. Trump Set to Talk to Putin**
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 18 to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. While Trump seeks to secure a deal, European allies and Ukraine warn that a rushed agreement without security guarantees may fail to ensure lasting peace.
**Russia Continues Attacks**
Russian forces currently occupy roughly 20% of Ukraine, where reports of systematic repression, torture, and forced deportations continue to emerge. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 90 of the 174 attack and decoy drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported.