Talks with Russia are the final step to peace, not the first – Yermak

The relevant statement was made by Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak in his article for The Economist, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“Peace is not just the absence of fighting. So the view of some Western politicians that sitting down at a negotiating table is the first thing that needs to happen before peace can reign in Ukraine is a fundamental error,” Yermak noted.

In his words, calling for both sides to talk before Russia admits Ukraine’s very right to exist as a sovereign nation is ridiculous.

“Until Western nations create effective mechanisms to deter the Russian aggressors, punish them, and force them to fulfil their obligations under international law, any negotiations will just allow Russia to weaponise the diplomacy, giving themselves a break to prepare for their next act of aggression,” Yermak stressed.

Yermak reiterated the ten-point road map announced by President Zelensky during the G19 Summit.

“Sitting across a table to confirm the end of fighting should be the last thing on the list. There are nine other things that have to happen first, all of them based on the principles of the UN Charter and the norms of international law,” Yermak explained.

The nine priorities include nuclear and food security, limiting Russia’s ability to use energy as a geopolitical weapon, strengthening air- and anti-missile defence of Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure, environmental safety, release of prisoners and deportees, and the need for justice.

“One aim here is the withdrawal of Russian troops from all internationally recognised Ukrainian territories and a full cessation of hostilities. To force this through, Ukraine needs continued military and technical assistance to ensure our superiority on the battlefield and to secure our civil infrastructure,” Yermak emphasized.

Additionally, Yermak expressed gratitude for the aid provided by partner countries but asked those suggesting compromise to listen to the voices of Ukrainians. Appeals addressed to both belligerent parties to end the war in Ukraine must be discarded, Yermak added.

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