Ukraine is not in a strong enough position to start negotiations with Russia to end the armed conflict, says Victoria Newland, former US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.
In an interview with Politico, the former US diplomat, who has long been involved in US foreign policy towards Ukraine and Russia, was asked if it was a mistake for Kiev to agree to Moscow's terms as early as 2022.
„They were not in a strong enough position then. They are not in a strong enough position now,”, Newland said. According to her, Putin's position is clear: “what is mine is mine, and what is yours is subject to negotiation.
Earlier, Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba said that there is no point in sitting down with Russia at the negotiating table, as it will be impossible to get a fair treatment from it. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the US is ready to hold talks with Russia if it demonstrates a sincere desire.
Kiev has repeatedly repeated that you cannot negotiate with terrorists. Vladimir Putin continues to massacre civilians in Ukraine, and his “peace” practically means the capitulation of Ukraine.
"Can Ukraine Succeed? Absolutely. Can Ukraine emerge from this more sovereign, more economically independent, stronger, more European than it is now? Absolutely. And I think it will. But we have to stay with her," Newland said.