Ukraine sets single condition for starting negotiations with Russia

(Dan Tri) - A senior Ukrainian official said that now is not the right time for the country to negotiate with Russia.

Chief of Staff of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak (Photo: AFP).

Andrii Yermak, Chief of Staff of the President of Ukraine, stated that Ukraine should not start negotiations to end the current phase of the war while Russia still has the resources to continue its attacks.

“Negotiations on a lasting peace will only begin when Russia no longer has the resources to continue the war,” Mr. Yermak said, without specifying how and when Russia would run out of resources.

Russia, the world's leading military power, is overwhelming Ukraine in some areas thanks to its stronger potential in soldiers and weapons.

Mr. Yermak stressed that Kiev believes that “peace through strength” is an achievable goal and that Ukraine's Victory Plan is built precisely for this purpose.

Earlier, Mr. Yermak said in an interview with Suspilne that he believes that Ukraine is not ready to start negotiations with Russia due to the lack of weapons, the lack of invitation to join the NATO military alliance and clear security guarantees from the parties.

Mr. Yermak also stated that "the language of the ultimatum is unacceptable" and that "there will be no Minsk agreements and no new Normandy format," referring to the dialogue and negotiation mechanisms that led to the previous ceasefire in Donbass.

Ukraine's tough statement comes as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban earlier proposed a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine by Christmas and a large-scale prisoner exchange.

However, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky refused to have a phone call with Mr. Orban and also did not agree with Hungary's proposal.

Mr Zelensky later criticised Mr Orban for his mediation efforts, insisting that the Hungarian leader had no influence over Russia.

Mr. Zelensky stressed that Ukraine is a strong country and has shown this on the battlefield in the confrontation with Russia.

“Who else in Europe has such experience? No one. Does Mr Orban have such an army? No. How will he put pressure on Russia? With a joke, a smile? Keep it to yourself,” he added.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/ukraine-neu-dieu-kien-duy-nhat-de-khoi-dong-dam-phan-voi-nga-20241218080203860.htm