People, land, sovereignty no bargaining chips - Kuleba on talks with Russia

Kuleba addressed the issue on the air of the national telethon, Ukrinform reports with reference to the Foreign Ministry.

“The President of Ukraine gave very clear instructions to our delegation. We do not trade in people, land, and sovereignty. Our position is made of reinforced concrete. It is supported by international law, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, international sanctions that have been applied against Russia, and weapons that have been transferred and are being transferred to Ukraine to defend itself against the aggressor," the Minister stressed.

According to the top diplomat, the minimum result Ukraine will try to achieve in the negotiations in Turkey is resolving humanitarian issues. The maximum agenda is about a ceasefire and reaching stable agreements.

"We are looking forward to the talks of the two delegations to see if the Russians come to these talks ready to really agree on something or just repeat their demands, which we have been hearing from the beginning. If we see that the mood has changed and they are ready for a serious, substantive conversation and balanced arrangements, then things will move forward. If it is a repetition of their propaganda templates behind closed doors, they will just leave the same way they came," Kuleba said.

He stated that so far no agreements have been reached as such. Instead, there has been an exchange of thoughts, suggestions, and ideas. Contacts of Ukraine's partners with the Russian side continue at different levels and in different formats, aimed at encouraging Russia to take a more constructive position.

The Foreign Minister especially thanked Turkey for its leadership in mediation efforts and for stimulating the negotiation process.

The Minister pointed out that throughout this month, Russia’s public position gradually changed from voicing plans to capture key cities of Ukraine just a few days before explaining that hostilities are limited to the seizure of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

According to the Kuleba, the issue of holding a referendum will not be discussed at the talks in Turkey on March 29, as it is Ukraine’s internal affair.

“The President of Ukraine always focuses on the position of the people, the position of Ukrainians. We have come a long way in this month of national unity. I rule out a situation when the government would do something against the will of the people," said the head of Ukrainian diplomacy.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the Istanbul talks between the delegations of Ukraine and the Russian Federation may begin on March 29 at 10:00 local time.