In Moscow, the press secretary for the president, Dmitry Peskov, weighed in on recent comments from Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmitry Kuleba, who spoke about transforming the Black Sea into what he described as a NATO sea. Peskov noted that the foreign minister’s proposal sits on two conflicting premises. On one side, he argued, NATO is inherently associated with security guarantees in Europe, while on the other side, demilitarization remains a central pillar of regional strategy. From the Kremlin’s perspective, the idea that the Black Sea could become a NATO domain is incompatible with Russia’s security posture and regional arrangements. The Kremlin spokesman stressed that the Black Sea will not become a NATO sea, framing the statement as a misreading of regional boundaries and strategic interests. (Attribution: socialbites.ca)
Kuleba’s public remarks have drawn attention to what he describes as Ukraine’s need for a security framework that aligns with Euro-Atlantic institutions. He has asserted that the Black Sea should be treated as internal waters of NATO member states, a stance he ties to the broader objective of ensuring safe passage for maritime trade and travel. The Ukrainian side has also emphasized the importance of demilitarization around the sea as a prerequisite for peaceful, open commerce and regional stability. (Attribution: socialbites.ca)
In early April, Kuleba reiterated Ukraine’s view that pursuing NATO membership remains a central option for strengthening Euro-Atlantic security, a position that keeps the country engaged in ongoing discussions about security guarantees and alliance commitments. The dialogue around NATO membership is framed within broader strategic questions about regional defense planning, alliance cohesion, and the role of sea lanes in global trade. (Attribution: socialbites.ca)
Additional remarks from mid-April indicated that Moscow was informed about developments in the alliance’s approach to Ukraine, with claims that conversations among North Atlantic members touched on the situation without the publication of sensitive U.S. documents. The messaging underscores the delicate balance between alliance diplomacy and the practical implications for bilateral relations in the region. (Attribution: socialbites.ca)