August 20, 2025 | 09:11 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Russia rejects NATO's involvement in the security guarantee plan for Ukraine. The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Indonesia, Sergei G. Tolchenov, stated that the official presence of NATO forces in Ukraine would be considered as a direct aggression against Russia.
"Unofficial NATO support for Ukraine is still evident. If NATO forces are officially present, it is tantamount to direct NATO involvement in hostilities on the part of Ukraine," Tolchenov said at his residence in the Kuningan area, South Jakarta, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
Alternative Security Guarantee
Tolchenov emphasized that discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine remain possible, but not through NATO. He detailed that a more constructive scheme involves engaging countries with significant positions in global diplomacy and a more balanced approach to Russia.
He then cited the Friends for Peace initiative initiated by Brazil and China, which now has nearly 20 member countries. He stated that Indonesia has been part of the group since last year.
"Member countries of Friends for Peace, including Indonesia, can play a role as guarantors of the peace agreement in Ukraine. We highly respect the initiatives of many countries contributing to a peaceful resolution," he said.
Putin-Trump Talks
At the same time, Tolchenov also mentioned the high-level dialogue development between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. According to him, the meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, not only discussed a ceasefire, but also a long-term solution to the Ukrainian crisis.
"The most important thing for us is the initial understanding reached between President Putin and President Trump in Anchorage, Alaska," Tolchenov said. He stated that they agreed on the need for a sustainable way out, not just a temporary settlement.
He added that Putin emphasized that Russia has national interests that need to be protected, similar to the U.S., Ukraine, and Europe.
Tolchenov mentioned that Russia's main concerns include NATO expansion to the western borders, the establishment of military bases in Ukraine, and the delivery of long-range weapons to Kyiv forces.
"All of these are real threats to our national security," he added.
According to Tolchenov, developments in the field also influence the prospects for a resolution. He assessed that the areas currently controlled by Russia can no longer be considered part of Ukraine.
Tolchenov stated that if a peace agreement is reached in March or April 2022, discussions will be limited to Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk.
Nevertheless, Tolchenov emphasized that Russia does not close the door to dialogue. "We are always ready to talk. Personal contact between President Putin and Donald Trump is part of that effort," he said.
Tolchenov believed that a direct meeting between the two leaders could be an important opportunity to achieve peace. However, he emphasized that any solution will only materialize if external parties stop meddling in Ukraine's internal affairs.
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