Ukrainian Presidential Office reveals key priorities for talks with Kellogg
Photo: Advisor to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Mykhailo Podolyak (Vitalii Nosach RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine insists on fundamental conditions during negotiations with US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg. The main demand is security guarantees, stated Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to the head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, in a comment to the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.
Ukrainian diplomacy is preparing for important talks with US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, during which Kyiv intends to clearly outline its "red lines" that cannot be crossed in the peace negotiations.
Podolyak emphasized that Ukraine must remain firm and calm at every stage of the talks. The key task is to insist on fundamental principles that cannot be ignored.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlights at every meeting that security for the country is an unconditional priority.
"In particular, no recognition of occupied territories, no ultimatums from Russia. Security guarantees," Podolyak stressed.
Security guarantees and strengthening the armed forces
According to Podolyak, one of the most important aspects is security guarantees, particularly the possibility of establishing military bases and strengthening air defense systems. He notes that the country does not plan to reduce its armed forces but, on the contrary, aims to increase investment, improve training, and boost the production of modern weapons.
Ukraine finds Russia's demands regarding army reduction or control over industrial capabilities unacceptable. Podolyak specifically highlights Russia's stance on rejecting international military alliances, peacekeeping contingents, and joint training with other countries. Ukraine firmly rejects such compromises.
Unified European alliance or NATO
Podolyak noted that Ukraine continues to work on the idea of a pan-European security alliance, especially if the US continues to emphasize that Europe must defend itself. For Ukraine, it is crucial not to abandon the possibility of joining any alliances, including NATO, if the situation requires it to ensure national security.
An equally important point that Ukraine will insist on during negotiations is explaining why encouraging Russia's impunity is dangerous for global civilization. If the country is not stopped at the early stages, its aggression will only escalate.
"This will also need to be explained to Mr. Kellogg because any other formats for dealing with Russia will only lead to increased risks for modern civilization," he stated.
It is also worth noting that the head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, emphasizes that peace talks must involve all parties to the conflict.
He stressed that final and effective negotiations between the warring countries are impossible without the participation of all conflict parties.
