Ukraine in talks with Russia only on humanitarian issues – Podoliak
He said this live on a nationwide television marathon, Ukrinform reports, with reference to the nv.ua news site.
"There are certain contacts, but at the level of humanitarian subgroups. Because we always need to solve issues related to the exchange of prisoners and the exchange of bodies. And if possible, certain humanitarian corridors should also be opened. From a political and diplomatic point of view, [Ukraine-Russia talks] have been paused," Podoliak said.
He said that a pause in the negotiations came because Russia continues to use its army as cannon fodder in order to strengthen its positions.
"Russia still believes that they now have enough manpower, which they will not regret using as consumables, which they will not regret losing on the battlefield. That is, they are certainly following this illusion and they want to receive certain tactical defeats. When we have certain tactical wins, we would be able to sit down at the negotiating table," Podoliak said.
He also called Russia's conditions unrealistic, which only postpone the war for some time.
"Russian conditions are unacceptable in any case. Because they do not reflect reality at all. That is, they are the ones that will simply postpone the war for some time," Podoliak said.
