The lifting of sanctions not discussed during the talks with the Russians - Podoliak
DENYS KARLOVSKYI — SATURDAY, 30 APRIL 2022, 19:11
Mykhailo Podoliak, a member of the Ukrainian negotiating team, denied that the lifting of sanctions against Russia was being discussed during talks with the Russians.
Source: Podoliak in a comment to "Interfax-Ukraine"
Podoliak's quote: "First, Minister Lavrov's ability to comment on what you do not take part in and what you do not see inside the process is somewhat surprising.
Secondly, the Russian army has already "discussed" the denazification and status of the Russian language with Ukrainians in Bucha, Hostomel, Kharkiv, Volnovakha, and, of course, in Mariupol. All relevant conclusions are forever inscribed in the blood of innocent Ukrainian citizens.
Thirdly, and certainly the issue of global international sanctions against Russia is not discussed at all within the framework of the negotiation process. The reason for their introduction by the world community has not been eliminated yet, that is the occupation of part of the territory of Ukraine and the treacherous violation of our territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Therefore, we must once again urge the representatives of the Russian Federation to refrain from commenting that is not reliable and that at least somehow corresponds to the real course of the negotiation process."
Details: Podoliak added that Ukraine cannot even theoretically discuss the lifting of sanctions with the Russians and agree on any regimes, because it depends on international partners.
Background:
- On 30 April, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov said that talks between Ukraine and Russia were allegedly discussing the lifting of Western sanctions. He also stressed that they allegedly raised the issue of so-called "denazification" and the status of the Russian language.
- Lavrov said earlier that any agreement would be signed given the position of the military on the battlefield.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the risk that all talks with Russia will grind to a halt was very high, due to war crimes and barbaric behaviour of the Russian occupiers.
