Ukraine says talks have no meaning unless Russian troops are withdrawn

Ukraine on Saturday rejected French President Emmanuel Macron’s call for diplomacy not to “humiliate” Russia and said there was no point in negotiating until Moscow’s forces were pushed back as far as possible. .

Macron, who has continued talks with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin since Russia’s February 24 invasion, offered mediation in the war on Friday and warned against humiliating Moscow to keep the door open for a diplomatic solution.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dimitro Kuleba vehemently dismissed Macron’s argument on Twitter, saying such calls could “only humiliate France and every other country that calls for it”.

“Because it is Russia that humiliates itself. We all better focus on how to bring Russia in its place. It will bring peace and save lives,” he said.

Asked about the offer of mediation on national television, the adviser to the President of Ukraine, Mykhailo Podolyak, said: “… Unless we push them (Russian army) back to the borders. Ukraine, there is no point in negotiating.”

Ukraine, which Russia says has already occupied about 20% of its territory, is now receiving more powerful weapons from the West.

Ukraine’s parliamentarian and negotiating team member David Arkhamia said on Friday: “Our armed forces are ready to use (new weapons) … and then I think we can start a new round of talks from a stronger position.” can do.”

Among other things, the United States will provide Ukraine with accurate HIMARS rocket systems, which will allow it to strike Russian positions from long distances.