Ukraine is ready to sit down for talks with Russia, but only on condition of Russia’s direct participation in the process.
This was noted by the head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, in a Telegram post seen by Ukrinform.
“We want peace, but its coming depends not only on us. If everything depended on Ukraine, this war would have long ended. But the reality is that Russia demonstrates no sincere desire to stop their aggression,” he noted.
Yermak recalled that more than 50 days ago, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a full 30-day ceasefire, to which Ukraine agreed, and Russia responded with a three-day “parade ceasefire”.
The head of the Office emphasized that Ukraine is ready for negotiations, but only after a full ceasefire: “This is the position of Ukraine, the United States, and our European friends.”
“We do not trade our independence. Our ‘red lines’ are the Constitution, international law, and the UN Charter. We will never recognize the occupation of our territories,” he stressed.
At the same time, Yermak said that the Ukrainian authorities have a realistic approach: “We understand that some issues will have to be discussed at the negotiating table. We are ready for this – that’s if Russia comes there too.”
According to the official, Ukraine has proven to be a responsible and constructive partner, having signed a historic agreement with the U.S., which is the basis of future security through economy.
“We work with all partners and we want people to come to Ukraine – to see with their own eyes that we are holding our ground, that we are strong and motivated. … Ukraine keeps fighting. That’s because we have no other country. And we have the strength to win not only the war, but also peace,” the head of the President’s Office added.
As Ukrinform reported earlier, on April 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin unilaterally declared a “truce” for May 8-10 in honor of Victory Day, celebrated in Russia on May 9.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said there is no need to wait for May 8, as Putin announced, because ceasefire could start immediately.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, commenting on Putin’s statement on his readiness to declare a short-term ceasefire once again, said U.S. President Donald Trump wants to see a permanent ceasefire in Ukraine to stop the bloodshed.
Source: Ukraine ready to sit at negotiating table if Russia comes there - Yermak
