Austrian ambassador: Ukraine has to decide when the time is right to make compromises
Photo: Arad Benkö, Austrian Ambassador to Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Peace negotiations regarding the full-scale war should not take place without Ukraine's participation. At the same time, Kyiv should determine when it is the right moment for compromises, Arad Benkö, Austrian Ambassador to Ukraine, says in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
According to the ambassador, it is obvious to Austria that peace negotiations should not take place without Ukraine or behind its back.
"It is clear that Ukraine fights for its independence very bravely. No one would have expected that almost three years after we could still sit in democratic Ukraine. And this is our basis, this is our orientation, that Ukraine has to decide when the time is right to make compromises, and compromises are always very hurtful," Benkö added.
The ambassador also noted that Austria’s position is to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its 1991 borders. However, Benkö acknowledged the need to consider the realities on the ground, including losses and destruction.
Possible negotiations between Ukraine and Russia
Recently, Russia and the United States held talks in Saudi Arabia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that he is "convinced of Russia’s readiness to begin a serious process to determine how to end the war."
After that, Kyiv emphasized that any dialogue should not take place behind Ukraine's back. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine was not informed about the Russia-US talks and did not intend to recognize them.
Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, also noted that peace talks should involve all parties to the conflict.
