On June 30, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, issued a sharp response to Russia. He reacted strongly to the Ukrainska Pravda article ‘Perhaps Russia should be forgiven for everything that has happened, says Slovak foreign minister.’ He tweeted, “It’s naive to expect a criminal to stop if their crime is forgiven instead of punished.” “Russia will hit your other cheek as well.” He added that only those untouched by the war dare speak of forgiveness. His words directly addressed Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár, who proposed that perhaps Russia should be forgiven entirely. For Ukraine, peace must begin with justice, not with forgetting what has been lost.
Blanár Urges Talks and Forgiveness with Russia
Juraj Blanár, Slovakia’s foreign minister, has taken a different stance. In a national interview, he said the war can’t be solved by force. He argued that military answers won’t bring resolution and called instead for diplomacy. He encouraged renewed talks with Moscow, urging leaders to shift from confrontation to communication. Blanár believes Europe must find a way to engage Russia, even if that means forgiving what happened. His words were striking, especially since Slovakia remains one of the few EU nations still openly communicating with Moscow. While others have hardened their stance, Bratislava keeps lines open.
Sybiha Pushes Back Against the Idea of Amnesty
Andrii Sybiha didn’t hold back in his reply. He said that letting Russia off the hook would only open the door to more violence. He said, “And those who have lost no one in this war have no right to make such statements.” In his view, Russia thrives when no one holds it accountable. Without justice, he warned, the aggression won’t stop, it will spread. He also called out leaders making such claims from outside the battlefield. For Sybiha, forgiveness cannot come from those who haven’t felt the cost of war. Ukraine has endured loss, destruction, and grief. His message was simple, “peace without justice would be an insult to every life shattered by Russian attacks.”
Ukraine’s Stand Remains Firm on Accountability
Ukrainian officials continue to back serious talks, but not at the cost of the truth. Kyiv has shown a willingness to pursue a ceasefire when the terms are fair. Earlier this year, Ukraine accepted a 30-day pause in fighting, hoping for progress. But instead of peace, Russia answered with fresh attacks. For Ukraine, returning to dialogue is not the issue. The real problem lies in pretending that nothing happened. Justice must guide any future agreement. Without real consequences, any truce becomes temporary. Ukraine insists that true peace must involve reparations, responsibility, not just forgetting the crimes.
Ukraine’s Message to the World Can’t Afford to Ignore
The contrast between Sybiha and Blanár speaks volumes about the divide in Europe. One sees diplomacy and forgiveness as the way forward. The other sees a dangerous pattern of ignoring reality. Sybiha’s warning is clear. If the world turns the other cheek, Russia might strike again. For Ukraine, healing starts not with silence, but with truth and accountability. As discussions continue across capitals, Kyiv’s voice grows louder, peace can’t be built by brushing aside suffering. It must rest on justice, memory, and the defense of human dignity.
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