In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Foreign Minister Kuleba said that Ukraine is ready to negotiate with Russia through an intermediary, but after the withdrawal of Russian troops.
"We can negotiate with Russia after the withdrawal of their troops from our lands, but not with Putin. This goal can be achieved through a mixture of war and diplomacy. Our generals are engaged in the first, their task is to push the Russians to retreat and realize that it is better to talk than to fight. I care about diplomacy and dialog whenever possible," Kuleba said.
According to him, Ukraine is no longer ready for talks with Putin, but "third-party mediation is possible, provided that the Russians are ready to step back."
"It is clear to us that we will never see Putin and Zelensky at the same table," the minister said.
To the journalist's question whether it is possible to start negotiations on the full withdrawal of Russian troops today, he answered:
"It depends on the circumstances. We do not take the Russians at their word, no sane person would. Before withdrawal, we would like to be sure that it is serious and not a deception to come back and attack again. I understand these questions and their logic, but I can't give unequivocal answers because they don't exist, and the lives of millions of people are at stake."
