Yermak: Before negotiations with Russia, there should be a 30-day truce that will be clearly monitored

Andriy Yermak, photo: OP

A 30-day truce should be declared between Ukraine and Russia before negotiations begin. It should be closely monitored by Western partners. If Moscow refuses, the West should increase pressure on it.

This was stated by the head of the Presidential Office, Andrii Yermak, in an interview with «RBC-Ukraine».

According to him, Ukraine wants a just and lasting peace with security guarantees. Therefore, the first step should be a ceasefire. The United States of America and European countries should be involved in monitoring it.

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«We believe that Europe should be involved at all stages, because Ukraine is part of Europe, a future member of the European Union,» said Andrii Yermak.

After the ceasefire, the parties can begin to agree on the format of the negotiations. Kyiv and Moscow will discuss issues necessary to end the war.

The Head of the Presidential Office stressed that the negotiations should be based on international law and the United Nations Charter. Ukraine will not allow talks based on ultimatums.

«If Russia agrees, it means we are moving to the next stage, which is also clear and to which our partners are ready. If not, then please, there should be pressure on Russia through sanctions and other actions, absolutely concrete and clear. Because we do not trust Russia. We believe that they understand only the language of force. There are no questions to Ukraine, and therefore today the issue is Russia's position,» said Andrii Yermak.

As a reminder, on 11 May, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his desire to resume direct talks with Ukraine, which were suspended at the end of 2022. He also said that he planned to address Turkish President Recep Erdogan with a proposal to organise the talks.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal for direct talks, calling it a «good sign». However, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that a ceasefire was needed first to really start a dialogue with Russia.

Turkish President Recep Erdogan accepted Russian President Vladimir Putin's offer to hold talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul on 15 May.

US President Donald Trump said that Ukraine should accept the Kremlin's offer to hold direct talks in Istanbul on 15 May: «Have that meeting, now».

Subsequently, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that he was looking forward to direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on 15 May in Turkey.