An air of optimism has permeated the negotiations taking place between Ukraine and Russia, and a series of documents have been drafted that seek to end the hostilities, as stated by the delegations from the two warring nations.
Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak, who is a member of the delegation currently taking part in the peace talks, stated that Russia was finally starting to have constructive conversations in the talks.
“At the negotiations, [Russia is] not putting [up] ultimatums, but carefully listens to our proposals,” Podolyak stated in a tweet. “[Ukraine] will not give up any of [its] positions. Our demands are – the end of the war and the withdrawal of [Russian] troops. I see the understanding and there is a dialogue.”
To clarify. At the negotiations, the RF not putting ultimatums, but carefully listens to our proposals. 🇺🇦 will not give up any of the positions. Our demands are – the end of the war and the withdrawal of RF troops. I see the understanding and there is a dialogue. pic.twitter.com/72ae9ZeOfn
— Михайло Подоляк (@Podolyak_M) March 13, 2022
Podolyak’s tweet also contained a video clip of himself talking about the negotiations in finer detail. The comments were translated by Reuters:
“We will not concede in principle on any positions. Russia now understands this. Russia is already beginning to talk constructively.”
“I think that we will achieve some results literally in a matter of days.”
It was also reported by ABC News, highlighting an interview with Podolyak from the independent Russian periodical Kommersant, that the pair of delegations were working on a draft of an official document that both sides were able to sign. The two sides seem to have agreed to keep their choices entirely confidential until they have signed a full official agreement, but Podolyak reportedly indicated that the focus of the negotiations was a ceasefire and a peace agreement.
One major sticking point is the promise of “security guarantees” for both parties, reported ABC. Ukraine is also attempting to get compensation for all of the damaged infrastructure and a plan for all Russian troops to make their way out. Podolyak stated to Kommersant that Russia wanted “more time” to “fully understand the reality of its situation and the need to further compromise on its demands,” reported ABC.
Members of the Russian delegation also stated their optimism about the fact that the peace talks were moving long nicely towards an agreement. One member of the Russian team, Leonid Slutsky, stated to RT, the Russian state-owned news broadcaster, that both parties had made “significant progress” and that he was expected an agreement between both parties and a drafted document to sign. “If we compare the positions of both delegations at the talks, at the very beginning and today, we see significant progress,” stated Slutsky. “I am happy to report that, according to my personal expectations, in the next few days, this progress may develop into a joint position of the delegations and into documents to sign.”
Both parties are slated to resume their talks on Monday.