Kyiv supports the Italian initiative for a ceasefire and expresses readiness for peace talks before the Olympic Games.
Ukraine is ready to agree to a ceasefire with the Russian Federation during the Winter Olympic Games, which are scheduled to take place in February 2026 in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. This became clear at a press conference on October 10, given by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Georgiy Tikhiy. The information was distributed by the Ukrainian news agencies "Інтерфакс-Україна" and Censor.NET.
The statement of the representative of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry came in response to the proposal of the Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani for a ceasefire in all military conflicts during the sporting event. This proposal, made by a high-ranking European politician, opened a new door for diplomatic efforts in a moment of heightened tension.
At the same time, Mr. Tikhiy emphasized the need for caution, recalling the previous aggressive actions of the Kremlin in the context of major sporting events. He did not fail to emphasize that Russia's actions in 2008, when the country attacked Georgia during the Beijing Olympics, and in 2014 - the attack on Ukraine during the Winter Games in Sochi, were not random coincidences. "Russia attacked Georgia during the Beijing Olympics in 2008, and in 2014 – Ukraine, while the Winter Games were held in Sochi. This is not a coincidence, but a cynical political move," the spokesperson emphasized. These words hint at a deeply rooted pattern of political manipulation and the use of sporting events as a cover for military actions.
Nevertheless, the Ukrainian side remains open to negotiations. The spokesperson stated that if the ceasefire needs to be tied to a symbolic occasion such as the Olympic Games - so be it. However, he emphasized the country's determination to achieve peace. "But we insist that this happen as soon as possible, even before the Olympics," he said. This statement demonstrates Ukraine's striving for peace, while emphasizing the need for immediate action to avoid escalation of the conflict. At the same time, this position can also be perceived as a signal to the international community to support Ukraine in its efforts for peace.