Zelensky's office on current status of talks between Ukraine and Russia

"The negotiations process is difficult. The facts unearthed after their withdrawal from Kyiv and Chernihiv regions, war crimes committed there, have significantly changed the emotional background of the Russian military intervention in Ukraine and the negotiations process. The negotiations process is very slow," Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the head of the Presidential Administration of Ukraine, said in an interview with the Report's Eastern Europe bureau.

According to him, legal work is underway on subgroups.

"Because it is necessary to work on the Istanbul communiqué, which can play a basic role in ending the war and providing guarantees for Ukraine. At present, the subgroups are bringing this document in line with international law. Negotiations are underway with potential guarantors, who will provide guarantees to Ukraine's security and be able to bear this political burden. Yes, these two processes are underway. It is difficult to say when the next visual stage will take place. Because Russia itself declares that it has started the second phase of the military operations. The date of the next stage will be determined based on the results of the clashes in the Donbas, which will involve a large number of military equipment and troops.”

Podolyak believes that Turkey is a very interesting mediator.

“This country is making great efforts to find a solution. I understand Turkey because it is interested in ensuring security and stability in the Black Sea region. This is very important, first of all, in terms of trade. What kind of trade can we talk about in a war? All countries in the region suffer significant losses. However, it should be borne in mind that Russia never thinks about the direct or indirect losses of neighboring countries when embarking on its adventures. Nothing ever worries Russia. They are accustomed to living in a camp where people do not need anything. For example, consider the inner cities of Russia. Most of them have no service or comfort. It is almost impossible to live. Therefore, they are not interested in the serious losses of the population in the Black Sea region."