Negotiations possible only if Russia suffers significant losses – President's Office
OLENA ROSHCHINA – MONDAY, 8 AUGUST 2022, 16:42
Mykhailo Podoliak, advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, has said that negotiations with Russia can only resume if Russia suffers several significant tactical losses.
Source: Mykhailo Podoliak in an interview for Le Figaro; Office of the President of Ukraine
Quote from Podoliak: "Unfortunately, today it is impossible to negotiate with Russia. Russia will either refuse or attempt to deceive the parties to the negotiations.
It is trying to realise its expansionist ambitions and wants to achieve a status quo which is not acceptable to Ukraine. So we have to understand that negotiations with Russia will only become possible if Russia suffers several significant tactical losses."
Details: Podoliak said that Russia is not capable of seizing and occupying more Ukrainian territory, which is why it is now launching numerous attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure.
Quote from Podoliak: "Russia is relying on a terrorist strategy, deliberately striking civilian areas. Its goal is to demoralise and sow panic among the local residents so that they put pressure on the government to sign a peace treaty on any terms.
But Ukraine is currently hyper-mobilised, and its citizens understand that the sacrifices they are making now are necessary to ensure our victory over Russia."
Details: Podoliak added that Ukraine and Russia maintain no communications with one another on a military or political level. However, the two countries are in contact to discuss humanitarian issues: exchanges of prisoners and the bodies of dead soldiers, humanitarian corridors, and negotiations (with the assistance of third-party mediators) on grain exports.
Podoliak stressed that Ukraine's goal is victory and the liberation of all of its territories, because "this is the [essential] condition for the survival of the Ukrainian nation".
"Putin has repeatedly said that his goal is not just to capture certain territories, but to capture all of Ukraine in order to destroy the essence of Ukrainian statehood," Podoliak said.
Podoliak believes that Europe must provide financial and military aid so that Ukraine can win this war.
Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda!
