Russia Seeks 'Ironclad' Guarantee on Ukraine's NATO Membership: Official

Russia has made a formal demand for an 'ironclad' guarantee that Ukraine will not be allowed to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, in a bid to secure stability on its border with Ukraine. This comes amid rising tensions between Russia and NATO over Ukraine's potential membership. The Kremlin's stance is seen as a significant escalation of pressure on Kiev to abandon its NATO aspirations. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue are ongoing.