**Ukraine’s Chief of Staff Raises Doubts About Russian Negotiations**
In an interview with RBC-Ukraine, Presidential Office chief Andriy Yermak expressed skepticism about negotiating with anyone from Russia except President Vladimir Putin. This comes as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced his readiness to meet Putin for talks in Turkey on May 15.
Yermak questioned whether Ukraine would consider negotiating with any other Russian official, saying “Do you know who else in Russia makes decisions of this level and is able to ensure their implementation?” He implied that only Putin can make real decisions and that Zelensky’s administration continues to insist on a monitored 30-day ceasefire as a precondition for starting negotiations.
**Kremlin’s Mixed Signals**
The Kremlin has attempted to position itself as open to talks while simultaneously rejecting Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal. Moscow has proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine this week, but did not comment on a potential face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelensky. Yermak dismissed the Kremlin’s proposals as a stalling tactic, saying “We’ve negotiated with… (Russia) for years, and we know how they can stall for time.”
**Ukraine Stands Firm**
Yermak emphasized that Ukraine is open to peace talks, but not under the current conditions set by Russia. He stressed that Russia will try to use the negotiation process as a cover to escape sanctions. The Ukrainian official confirmed that Zelensky’s administration continues to insist on a monitored 30-day ceasefire as a precondition for starting negotiations.
**Russian Aggression Continues**
Despite Ukraine’s offer of talks, Moscow has rejected the May 12 truce and instead suggested resuming talks in Istanbul on May 15. Yermak dismissed this proposal, saying “We won’t give Russia a chance to blame us for disrupting the peace process.” The official noted that the next step is entirely up to Moscow.
**Pressure on Russia**
Yermak urged Western leaders to maintain pressure on Russia through sanctions and other actions, emphasizing that Ukraine wants a just and lasting peace. He stressed that the Kremlin must agree to the 30-day ceasefire before negotiations can proceed.
**Background on the Istanbul Talks**
The Istanbul talks refer to negotiations between Ukraine and Russia held in Turkey in late March 2022, which outlined potential terms for a peace deal. Leaked documents from 2022 show that Moscow’s first peace offer amounted to Ukraine’s effective surrender, including massive troop reductions, abandonment of advanced weapons, and recognition of Russian control over occupied territories.
**Key Takeaways**
* Ukraine’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, expressed skepticism about negotiating with anyone from Russia except President Vladimir Putin.
* The Kremlin has rejected Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal and instead proposed direct negotiations this week.
* Ukraine stands firm on its demand for a monitored 30-day ceasefire as a precondition for starting negotiations.
* Russia continues to reject the May 12 truce and has suggested resuming talks in Istanbul on May 15.
