Negotiations with Russia possible after its troops leave Ukraine

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine will be ready to negotiate with Russia when the Russian occupation forces leave Ukrainian territory.

He said this in an interview with Italy's Corriere della Sera, cited by Interfax-Ukraine.

At the same time, Kuleba emphasized that negotiations with current Russian President Vladimir Putin are impossible.

"We can negotiate with Russia after the withdrawal of their troops from our lands, but not with Putin. This goal can be achieved through a mix of war and diplomacy. Our generals are engaged in the former, their task is to encourage the Russians to retreat and convince them that it is better to talk than to fight," the Ukrainian Foreign Minister said.

He noted that it is impossible to negotiate with Putin because he has committed too many crimes.

"There are other diplomatic ways to conduct business indirectly. But it is clear to us that we will never be able to see Putin and Zelenskyy at the same table," the Ukrainian minister emphasized.

Author - Olena Madiak, 10/08/2023