The russian federation wants to seize as much Ukrainian territory as possible – to strengthen its position in the negotiations.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has made this statement in his interview with Ukrainian media, Lb.ua reports.
“They want to capture our territory, occupy more, and have more pressure. It is not at all about diplomacy. And why do we meet in this case? It is not clear to me. Why would I meet if they just want to seize the whole country? Let’s see if they capture. Why should they talk to me in this case, about what?” the President said.
According to Zelenskyy, diplomacy can be thought of after the end of the war.
“We need to find a model that may not give an answer to what we shall do with it [Donbas - Ed.] today, but which will sober up everyone, at least them. When the fighting and the war are over, we can think of diplomacy. And they want to resolve the diplomatic issue during the war,” the head of state said.
He added that talks on any neutral status should take place only after the withdrawal of russian troops and equipment.
Zelenskyy earlier expressed confidence that the destruction of Ukrainian defenders in Mariupol will put an end to negotiations with Russia.