Podolyak: Any compromise with Russia is a direct path to escalation

According to Ukrinform, Podolyak said this in an interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, according to the Office of the President.

"First of all, the Russian Federation will receive a conversation about the real conditions of the end of the war exclusively on the battlefield. And after such a 'conversation' offered by our Armed Forces, it will have no choice. Secondly, the peace formula will be reinforced by the world democratic community, which will fix the logistics of the only possible end to the war," Podolyak said.

In addition, according to him, after all the large-scale destruction and murders that Russia has committed in Ukraine, Ukrainians are not in the mood for compromises with the Kremlin.

He recalled that for almost nine years Ukraine tried to reach an agreement at the negotiating table, but as a result, it got a full-scale war, the like of which the world has not seen since the Second World War.

"Any compromise with the Russian Federation is a direct path to the next stages of the war, escalation, significant strengthening of the role of global terrorism. The main point of the peace plan is the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. The conversation with the Russians will begin only after that," Podolyak said.

According to him, there are no other real plans, apart from the Ukrainian Peace Formula, and Kyiv will not accept other proposals, as they are provided taking into account support for Russia.

"Any other initiative today is an attempt to push through the Russian plan, where the key moment is an immediate ceasefire, but without the withdrawal of the Russian occupation grouping. This is an unacceptable position, aimed not at peace, but at ensuring, in fact, Russia's victory. And most importantly, why even discuss initiatives that are backed by the figure of the Russians and their reluctance to take responsibility for huge crimes against humanity?" he said.

Podolyak emphasized the importance of formal consolidation of the peace formula proposed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, in order to prevent the emergence of other "peace plans" aimed at blurring the only correct path to the end of the war. It is for this purpose that Ukraine initiates a peace summit in July, which was announced at the G7 summit in Japan.

Podolyak noted that the Ukrainian Peace Formula is the basis of the planned peace talks, and the participants of the summit can supplement it with their useful ideas. But the key point is the first point – Russia's withdrawal from all of Ukraine, including Donbas and Crimea.

"Today, the leaders of world democracy are more united than ever in understanding the nature of war, Russia's position and the right way to end the war. We understand what tools are needed for this: weapons, a legal mechanism for bringing responsibility for the crime of aggression, reparations and restoration, an open exchange of prisoners and the return of deported citizens. The main thing is the military defeat of Russia and the inevitable return of the occupied territories to us," he said.

According to Podolyak, representatives of Ukraine, the G7 countries and Northern Europe are working on holding a peace summit. The circle of participants is gradually expanding, so the participation of dozens of countries in the democratic world is expected. All countries interested in returning the world to fair global rules, international law and respect for the sovereignty of states can join.

Speaking about whether the war could end this year, Podolyak said that it is possible if sufficient quantities of the necessary weapons arrive in time. In this context, he noted that Ukraine still lacks projectiles and long-range missiles, and modern fighter jets are also needed.