Zelenskyy's associate pointed out red line for Ukraine in the war

SVITLANA KIZILOVA — WEDNESDAY, 25 MAY 2022, 17:22

The Office of the President of Ukraine emphasises that the surrender of Ukrainian territories, citizens or sovereignty to the enemy is impossible.  In particular, they ruled out any "Minsk-3".

Source: Mykhailo Podoliak, the Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine on Telegram

Details: Podoliak noted that now it is important for Ukraine to continue fighting in all directions.

Quote: "Russia is spending insane resources to prove to the world that Russians have the right to kill Ukrainians. And not to receive full-fledged punishment for it.

That is why pro-Russian lobbyists in Europe are gradually starting to raise their heads. Just yesterday, the information agenda included only the oil embargo and Russian war crimes. Today, certain political voices are offering us a new agenda: a ceasefire, a frozen conflict and the surrender of some territories for the sake of peace; things they are offering in order to protect their comfortable social media feed from bad news and resume business with Russia. "What we want is to return to the old, pre-war way of life. Agree to some compromises." – this is what you can read in some Western eyes, literally. So that there is no ambiguity: Ukraine will not participate in this discussion. We do not trade our citizens, territories, or sovereignty. This is a clear red line. Ukrainian society has paid a terrible price and will not allow anyone to take even one step in this direction – no government and no country.  Any hint of this from any of our partners will receive a principled response. There can be no talk of freezing the conflict."

Details: Polodiak explained that any freezing is a war postponed. A larger, bloodier and better prepared one by the aggressor, who will work on its mistakes, dismiss and arrest generals, and replace them with militants with experience in the warfare of today.  "By the way, we have also worked on our mistakes: Ukraine has drawn conclusions from the Minsk agreements and therefore will not go for Minsk-3," added the Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.

He added that the war will end at the negotiating table, but negotiations will become possible only when the parties are ready to reach an agreement. To make this happen, Russia needs to begin soberly assessing the situation, and statements about concessions, saving face or freezing the conflict are unlikely to help.

"There can be no greater stab in the back than proposals to give away part of the territories belonging to the people whose values and borders Ukrainians are protecting by giving their lives. Or maybe freedom and democracy are no longer worth fighting for? Ukraine was given between three days and several weeks. The Ukrainians defended Kyiv, liberated three oblasts and are completing the liberation of the fourth.  Today, the same people are offering us to give Russia the East and the South of the country. Thank you for the advice, but, perhaps, we will take help with weapons," Podoliak said.