Minsk-3 will not be: Yermak called the principled positions of Ukraine in negotiations with Russia
The Ukrainian government does not allow the possibility of reaching a compromise agreement with the aggressor country Russia (Minsk-3). This was stated in an interview with the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, answering questions about the conditions under which it is possible to resume talks with Russia in their political and diplomatic part. The head of the OPU stressed that the following positions are fundamental for Ukraine: ending the war, withdrawing Russian troops from the territory of our state, as well as restoring territorial integrity. He added that Ukraine’s position in such negotiations will be determined by the situation at the front.
– Conditions (for resumption of negotiations with the Russian Federation, – Ed.) have not changed. For us, it is essential to end the war, withdraw Russian troops and restore our territorial integrity. As soon as we see that they are ready, they are really ready to discuss it… The President has spoken many times and remains in the same position that he is ready for such negotiations. But we understand that the moment of these talks will also be determined at the front, so the main thing today is what is happening there, – said Ermak.
He also assured that there are no people among the Ukrainian authorities who would allow the Minsk-3 option.
– No, we definitely do not allow it. We have different surnames than the creators of the Minsk agreements. And, fortunately, there are no people in our team who would allow this (Minsk-3, – Ed.)… We did not start this war, but it is our tragedy, we lost people, our cities were destroyed. Therefore, there will be no compromises on our part, – said Ermak.
He also said that mediators would not be able to play a key role in talks with Russia on ending the war. Therefore, the most important issues will be resolved “through direct negotiations at the highest level.” Recently, the People’s Deputy, the head of the negotiating team with Russia David Arahamiya said that Ukraine will be able to resume talks with Russia on ending a full-scale war in late August, after the Ukrainian military counterattacks. Kyiv will be able to hold talks from an enhanced position. Currently, negotiations with the Russian side are taking place in two directions: humanitarian (release of prisoners, evacuation of civilians) and food security (unblocking of ports and resumption of Ukrainian grain exports).
