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For Ukraine, progress in the negotiations would be Russia’s decision to end the war and deoccupy Ukrainian territory. This was stated by Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak in an interview with Fareed Zakaria on CNN.
Commenting on the negotiation process with Russia, Andriy Yermak noted that the position of our state is transparent and clear: “Ukraine did not start this war. Ukraine did not occupy someone’s territory. Ukraine has never been an aggressive country, in particular it has not shown aggression towards Russia. The most important thing for us is our independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We are fighting for this. For our lands and freedom.”
According to the Head of the Office of the President, the progress in the negotiations would be a decision to stop the war and withdraw Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine.
He confirmed that the majority of Russian troops is now concentrated in southeastern Ukraine, especially in Donbas. The whole world also knows what is happening in Mariupol, where there is a catastrophic situation – 90% of the city is destroyed.
“For us, the fundamental things we are not ready to compromise on are our independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We want to stop the war, our people want the war to end, but it is important for us that Ukraine wins this war. Our people continue to fight for victory. Our victory is the return of control over all our territories,” Andriy Yermak stressed.
He also noted that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his entire team have remained in Kyiv since the beginning of the war.
“Our servicemen continue to fight, they have no break. Therefore, it is our duty – all people in power, politicians – to stay at work and continue to do everything possible to bring victory closer,” said the Head of the Office of the President.
Regarding the US decision to provide $ 33 billion of aid to Ukraine and its influence on the course of the war, Andriy Yermak noted: “First, we hear clear messages that the United States believes and is confident in Ukraine’s victory in this war. Secondly, it really changes the level of our cooperation. This was the goal and dream of President Zelenskyy and his entire team – such a level of human relations with the United States. And today we can say: yes, it happened. And we are very grateful.”
He noted that opinion polls in the United States show that most Americans are interested and worried about the events in Ukraine.
“This support is important to us,” added the Head of the President’s Office.
“After February 24, the whole world, the whole democratic world understood that this could happen anywhere. Ukraine is defending not only itself, but also the principles of democracy,” Andriy Yermak stressed.
