According to Mykhailo Podoliak, who works as an adviser to the Ukrainian Presidential Cabinet, Ukraine is ready to negotiate with Russia – but only with the future successor of President Vladimir Putin. “Ukraine has never refused to negotiate,” he wrote on Twitter today. “Our trading position is known and open.” Russia must first withdraw its troops from Ukraine. “Is Putin ready? Obviously not. That is why we are constructive in our assessment: we will speak with the next head of state.”
Podoliak’s comments followed US media reports that the administration of US President Joe Biden in particular encouraged Ukraine’s leaders to signal their willingness to negotiate with Moscow.
National security adviser Jake Sullivan also reportedly held secret talks with senior Russian officials in hopes of reducing the risk of the war in Ukraine escalating into a nuclear conflict or escalating, the Wall Street Journal reported. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Moscow talks about a special military operation.