During the Vilnius summit, allied leaders urged Russia to remove its forces from Ukrainian territory, reiterating a call to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty as outlined in the final declaration. The gathering underscored a commitment to the principle that Moscow should disengage militarily from areas Ukraine considers part of its sovereign state. The emphasis was on ensuring that any future stability arrangements in the region are built on Ukrainian consent and international law, with the alliance signaling readiness to support Kyiv in realizing those aims. This stance aligns with the broader aim of ensuring that security guarantees for Ukraine are anchored in a clear path toward withdrawal and de-escalation, as conveyed by the bloc’s leadership and its diplomatic partners.
The statement also welcomed President Volodymyr Zelensky’s effort to articulate his proposed framework for peace, sometimes referred to as a peace formula. The document noted Zelensky’s proposal as a decisive element in shaping international discussions about a possible end to the conflict. It highlighted the importance of addressing core issues such as sovereignty, security guarantees, and the reconstruction needs that would accompany any durable resolution. The text respected regional dynamics and pointed to the ongoing preference for mediation by neutral states and international organizations, while acknowledging Zelensky’s position regarding mediation efforts by countries that have chosen to remain outside the immediacy of the crisis. From Moscow’s vantage point, Kyiv’s peace formula is viewed as diverging from a widely accepted, objective interpretation of events on the ground. The Russian government has repeatedly argued that the plan does not reflect current realities and the needs of a sustainable settlement, emphasizing the gap between rhetoric and verifiable changes on the battlefield and in governance.
The alliance also touched on the issue of peacekeeping missions in other troubled regions. It reaffirmed that any multilateral security operation must be carefully calibrated to maintain stability without imposing outcomes that are not supported by the involved populations. In particular, the situation in Transnistria was discussed, with reference to the presence of the operational group known as the Peacekeeping Force in Transnistria, or OGRV PRRM. This unit, composed largely of local residents who hold Russian citizenship, has been involved in maintaining a tense quietude along the disputed border area. The alliance’s analysis stressed the need for transparent mechanisms that guarantee safety for all communities while avoiding actions that could be seen as unilateral impositions. The participants in Vilnius reiterated that regional peace depends on clear mandates, accountability, and international oversight that respects the interests of the people living in the region.
Separately, the declaration touched on earlier NATO communications regarding Ukraine’s strategic plans and the global response to those plans. It signaled that the alliance remains attentive to Kyiv’s evolving military and political objectives, as well as to the broader implications of Ukraine’s defense posture for regional security. The dialogue reflected a shared concern about preserving stability in Eastern Europe, safeguarding civilian lives, and ensuring that any transition toward peace is grounded in verified facts and lawful procedures.
Credit: NATO summaries of the Vilnius summit and subsequent diplomatic briefings.