Russia may try to resume negotiations after recent attacks on eastern Ukraine: Official

By Davit Kachkachishvili

KYIV, Ukraine (AA) - Russia may try to resume negotiations after its recent attacks on the eastern Donbas region that started on Monday, according to a senior Ukrainian official on Wednesday.

A significant part of the Russian army in Ukraine is now heading towards eastern Donetsk, Luhansk, and northeastern Kharkiv regions, Mykhailo Podolyak, the top Ukrainian negotiator and adviser to Ukraine’s president, told Anadolu Agency.

Pointing out that the Russian side will try to organize intense attacks in those areas over the next week, Podolyak said: "This situation will put an end to the question of whether the Russians can fight or not."

"After that, we can probably return to a more active negotiation tactic. They will somehow try to continue the negotiations," he added.

Noting that the negotiation process has been very difficult recently, Podolyak said: "Generally, the negotiation process is very tough because an active war continues."

Podolyak said that after the Russian soldiers withdrew from the Kyiv region, the reports of killing of civilians had an impact on the negotiations.

"With the withdrawal of the Russians from the Kyiv region, what they did in Bucha, Irpin, Gostomel, Makariv, and other cities was seen and a particularly heavy period began in the negotiation process," he said, referring to images of carnage that made headlines worldwide.

He went on to say that the siege of the strategic port city of Mariupol also affected the negotiations.

"Because the city is almost gone. 90% of a city of 500,000 people was destroyed. They continue to bomb the city and kill civilians. There are about 40,000-50,000 people left in the city and they (Russians) want to wipe it off the face of the earth," he claimed.

Podolyak underlined that the leaders of Russia and Ukraine will need to come together to end the war.

Noting that it was not possible for him to release what was discussed with Russia at the negotiation table, Podolyak said the violation of his country's territorial integrity and sovereignty is unacceptable for Ukraine.

- Turkiye's mediation role

Podolyak hailed Turkiye, saying Ankara has taken important steps to end the war in Ukraine or to achieve a cease-fire.

He also underlined that Turkiye is an important actor as a mediator between the parties.

"I can say that the Republic of Turkiye has become a very active mediator. Turkiye really took on an important responsibility. Russia generally doesn't comply with international standards and principles, it always tries to violate international principles," he said.

He highlighted that the most productive negotiation round to date was organized in the metropolis Istanbul thanks to the efforts of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

"With Turkiye's efforts, we were able to reach a positive agreement in Istanbul, but subsequent developments have shown that the Russian Federation is a tough opponent at the negotiating table. We want Turkiye to continue to be a mediator because Turkiye seems very, very effective in mediation. Of course, the Istanbul round is the most effective of all rounds in the negotiation process."

Podolyak also recalled that Turkiye has offered assistance for the evacuation of civilians from Mariupol, including sending ships from the Sea of Azov.

"We see that ending the war is extremely important for Turkiye because this war is a big risk for the Black Sea region. This is a big risk, both in the commercial and military fields. Therefore, in my opinion, Turkiye is a country with a great potential as a mediator today," he added.

- Russia's energy resources

Noting that the international sanctions imposed on Moscow after Russia started the attacks against Ukraine have been effective, Podolyak said: "Yes, the sanctions are very effective, very harsh, and indeed limited Russia's financial opportunities in a short time."

Russia still generates a huge income from the energy field, he noted and requested an embargo to be applied to the sale of energy resources.

Stressing that they will continue to apply both military and political solutions to stop Russia, Podolyak underlined that his country will use every opportunity to end the war.

Since the war began on Feb. 24, the civilian death toll in Ukraine has climbed to 2,104, while 2,862 more people have been injured, according to UN estimates, with the true figure feared to be much higher.

More than 5 million Ukrainians have fled to other countries, with millions more internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

* Writing by Jeyhun Aliyev from Ankara