On May 10, 2025, Oleksandr Slyvchuk, Coordinator of the Spain and Latin America Cooperation Program at the Transatlantic Dialogue Center, appeared on Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE to offer a Ukrainian perspective on the ongoing war and emerging peace initiatives.
Slyvchuk stressed that Ukraine, along with its Western allies, shares a unified desire for a sustainable ceasefire — not a temporary pause. He noted that President Zelenskyy had publicly confirmed Ukraine’s commitment to a long-term cessation of hostilities. However, Slyvchuk cautioned against Russia’s approach, saying that while Moscow claims to support a ceasefire, it does so under the condition that the West stops supplying weapons to Ukraine. “In other words, they want Ukraine to be disarmed,” he warned, describing this as “a clear manipulation.” According to Slyvchuk, Russia is not preparing for peace but merely gaining time to reinforce its military.
The interview also touched on the geopolitical dynamics involving the United States. Slyvchuk observed a recent shift in American rhetoric, noting that statements from Donald Trump and his vice president suggest “a different kind of discourse” is emerging. He predicted a “third wave of stronger sanctions” aimed at compelling Russia to engage in genuine negotiations.
Addressing diverging peace proposals from Europe and the U.S., Slyvchuk highlighted the differences in priorities. While European actors emphasize justice for Ukrainian children abducted to Russia — an issue he described as “non-negotiable” — the American focus appears to be more on territorial issues. Regarding possible territorial concessions, Slyvchuk was firm: “Ceding territory makes no sense.” He argued that Russia’s goal is not merely land but control over all of Ukraine as a sphere of influence. Therefore, he emphasized that while sanctions or energy-related commitments might be topics for discussion, “Ukrainian territory is untouchable.”
The interview concluded with reflections on Ukrainian public sentiment. Slyvchuk described widespread frustration with certain Western leaders and called for greater unity and determination. “The Ukrainian public does not seek peace through capitulation,” he affirmed. He also expressed confidence that Russian war criminals, including President Vladimir Putin and Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova, would one day face justice, even if such processes take decades.
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