Zelensky sees positive signs after negotiations with Russia

Ukraine’s President Volodimir Zelensky said “positive signs” came from the Russian-Ukrainian negotiations in Turkey on Tuesday, although Ukraine has no plans to cut its military efforts yet. Zelensky said so in a video message posted to Telegram.

“We can say that the signals we are receiving are positive, but they do not make us forget the Russian explosives and grenades,” he said, among other things. Zelensky stressed that he sees no reason to believe the words of “representatives of a country that continues to fight with the intent to destroy us”. Plus: “The Russian army is still able to continue its attacks against our country,” Zelensky said.

In any case, according to Zelensky, there can be no question of lifting international sanctions against Russia as long as the war in Ukraine continues. “The issue of sanctions cannot even be raised until this war is over, until we have back what is ours.”

Earlier Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry promised a drastic reduction in hostilities towards Kiev and the northern city of Chernihiv. Deputy Minister Alexander Fomin told reporters that decision was made in light of progress made during negotiations.

The head of the Russian delegation Vladimir Medinsky also spoke positively about the negotiations in Turkey. He stated that “substantial discussions” were taking place and that Kiev’s “clear” proposals for an agreement would be examined quickly and submitted to President Vladimir Putin.