'No questions for Ukraine, the issue lies with Russia's position - Zelenskyy's office
Head of Ukraine's Presidential Office Andriy Yermak (Photo: Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
A 30-day ceasefire should be declared and closely monitored before the talks between Ukraine and Russia. If Moscow refuses, then the West should increase pressure on it, according to the head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
According to Yermak, Ukraine's position is to build a just and lasting peace that will be ensured by security guarantees. Therefore, as a first step, a 30-day ceasefire should be declared before any negotiations. The United States, with the participation of Europeans, has the capacity to monitor.
"We believe Europe should be involved at every stage because Ukraine is part of Europe, a future EU member. After that, the format of negotiations can be agreed upon," explained the head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine.
During the negotiations, Kyiv and Moscow will discuss the issues necessary to end the war. Yermak added that Ukraine has a clear position and will not allow Russia to speak the language of ultimatums. The basis for negotiations should be international law and the United Nations Charter.
"If Russia agrees, then we move to the next phase, which is also clear and for which our partners are ready. If not, then Russia must face pressure through sanctions and other concrete and clear actions. Because we do not trust Russia. We believe they only understand the language of strength. There are no questions for Ukraine, so right now, the issue lies with Russia's position," Yermak said.
Upcoming talks between Russia and Ukraine
On the night of May 11, Russian Federation leader Vladimir Putin refused to support the idea of a ceasefire and put forward an initiative to resume direct talks with Ukraine. At the same time, he proposed a meeting on May 15 in Istanbul.
In the morning of the same day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his readiness for dialogue, but stressed that a precondition for this was a confirmed ceasefire, which was to come into effect on May 12. The corresponding initiative was put forward the day before by Ukraine, the United States, and the "Coalition of the Resolute."
Subsequently, Türkiye officially confirmed its readiness to mediate between Kyiv and Moscow.
In his turn, President Donald Trump's special representative to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, emphasized that negotiations between the two sides could begin only after a ceasefire is reached.
