The Ukrainian delegation involved in talks with Russia “understands the motives” of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, said on Friday an adviser to the head of the Ukrainian president’s office, adding that although the Ukrainian side is aware of “where [Russia] he wants to go “, no concessions will be made to the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Speaking at a press briefing in the Ukrainian city of Lviv, Mikhail Podoliak said Ukraine’s position was being “strengthened” by Western partners, adding that President Vladimir Zelensky would definitely not make any concessions that would reduce our territorial integrity and freedom. ”
“The position of the Russian Federation is tough – if it were easy, they would not attack Ukraine – but the position of the Ukrainian commander of the armed forces is also harsh. Negotiations are difficult, but they are ongoing, “Podoliak added.
The press briefing comes a day after the second round of talks between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Belarus. In a tweet on Thursday, Podoliak said the talks did not lead to the results sought by Ukraine, although delegations were able to reach a “solution only for the organization of humanitarian corridors”.
Speaking on Friday, David Arahamia, a senior official in Ukraine’s ruling party who is also involved in the talks, said Zelensky had not made a formal request for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that he remained “too early” and further negotiations are needed before they speak.
Arahamiya also noted that Russia is facing increased “pressure” from the wider international community over attacks by Russian forces on civilian areas in Ukraine.
Pressed by Russia’s attack on the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, Arahamiya said Ukrainian negotiators had offered a 30-kilometer conflict-free zone around all of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities during Thursday’s talks “and then the West immediately happened.”