Kyiv: Ukraine prioritizes strength over immediate peace talks with Russia
Ukraine isn't ready for negotiations with Russia yet, needing to bolster its strength to engage with the aggressor on equal terms, declared Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian President's Office, during an interview with Suspilne.
Yermak emphasized, "For negotiations to commence, Ukraine has to be strong and only then can it engage with Russia as an equal. Everything coming from the Kremlin is the language of ultimatums." He further mentioned discussions with partners on the importance of strengthening Ukraine and debunking Russian narratives suggesting Ukraine was the instigator of the conflict. "Ukraine did not seek war and did not provoke Russia in any way. Russia is not here to defend anyone; it isn't even defending its own territory, as seen with the Kursk region." Yermak added that it is crucial for Putin to continue aggression on Ukrainian territory.
Meanwhile, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk suggested that peace talks to end the war between Ukraine and Russia could begin as soon as this winter.
Reports indicate a prevalent skepticism among Ukrainians toward "talks for the sake of talks." Data from the New Europe Center reveals that Ukrainian citizens largely reject concessions to Russia.