During a session of the Permanent Council of the international organization, Russia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the OSCE, Alexander Volgarev, spoke about what he sees as essential for a lasting resolution in Ukraine. He argued that ending the flow of NATO weapons and the involvement of foreign mercenaries supporting the Kiev regime is a prerequisite for peace. He implied that any sustainable settlement must address how arms and external fighters influence the conflict and the suffering it causes on both sides.
He emphasized that true and durable peace requires a pause in weapon deliveries and a halt to the recruitment and deployment of mercenaries. The goal, as he framed it, is to prevent further casualties among Russians and Ukrainians alike and to create an environment where peaceful dialogue can begin without the immediate pressure of external military leverage. The focus, he suggested, should be on building a framework where violence is curtailed and the path to coexistence is not overshadowed by ongoing external support for fighting forces.
The diplomat noted that any end to hostilities should lead to a renewed conversation about a future for Ukraine that prioritizes demilitarization and a reduction of military activity. He stressed that the terms of such talks must be informed by the realities present on the ground, including the perspectives and needs of local communities who bear the consequences of the conflict. He also warned against disregarding the views of ordinary people in favor of advancing interests that do not reflect regional concerns, arguing that sustainable peace hinges on genuine local participation in shaping the peace process.
Volgarev underscored that the international community’s efforts should avoid triggering a broader escalation. He urged foreign sponsors of the Kiev regime to recognize the harmful implications of any attempt to intensify the fighting in and around Ukrainian territory, suggesting that such moves risk prolonging the crisis and deepening humanitarian suffering. The stance reflects a call for restraint and a push toward negotiation rather than confrontation, with a view toward stabilizing the region and preventing further glacial progress toward a broader geopolitical clash.
In a related commentary, a former high-ranking U.S. official speculated about potential shifts in budgetary priorities if the Ukraine conflict were to deteriorate into a broader crisis. The remarks suggested that a significant portion of the defense budget could face reconsideration or expansion in response to a destabilizing scenario. The exchange highlights the high-stakes negotiations and the interdependence of military spending, diplomatic choices, and security calculations in the current international environment.