Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kolba (Photo: Lev Radin / Shatterstock)
Will the parties reach an agreement? 17 days after the start of the war in Ukraine, in Kiev it is said that negotiations with Russia are continuing – but at this stage it does not appear that the parties have come close to an agreement that will lead to a ceasefire.
Although Ukrainian President Vladimir Zlansky said today (Saturday) that negotiations between his country and Russia “have moved to business, and are no longer just about issuing ultimatums” – but at the same time criticized Western countries, saying they “are not involved enough in talks, and do not show enough courage. In the Ukrainian matter. ” The United States has said in response that it is ready to take on any diplomatic role that Ukraine sees fit.
At the same time, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kolba said talks with Moscow were ongoing, but clarified that “Russia’s sermons are unacceptable. We have remained open to a diplomatic solution and ready for negotiations, but will not just give in to ultimatums.”
Against this background, French President Emanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Schultz spoke today with Russian President Vladimir Putin and demanded an immediate ceasefire and the cessation of destruction by Russian forces. Despite the effort, at the end of the conversation Macron said he estimated Putin was not interested in ending the fighting.
(Photo: From the Telegram of the President of Ukraine)
Last Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kolba met for the first time since the start of the war in Antalya, Turkey. Despite the efforts, at the end of the meeting Kolba clarified that “there is no progress in the ceasefire contacts”. He claims, “Lavrov continues with his old rhetoric. It was hard to talk to him, but I did my best.” He further said that Lavrov denied that Russia had attacked civilians in Ukraine during the meeting, and claimed that the responsibility for this was in the hands of pro-Russian separatists.
Despite this, Kolba said he would be willing to meet with Lavrov once more. “If there is a possibility of reaching a solution, I will meet with him or with anyone else to make it happen,” he said. “On the other hand, it is impossible to stop the war if the country that started it does not want it.”
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