Peace Talks With Russia Cannot Start From February 2022 Lines, Says President’s Office

While Russia’s war in Ukraine could end in various ways, including through diplomacy, any diplomatic solution must not begin from February 24, 2022 borders, as this could create a risk of renewed Russian aggression. 

This was stated by the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andrii Yermak, in an interview on the national telethon.

“This war can end through different means. One of these is a diplomatic path. But that path cannot start from the February 24, 2022, line. That would be unfair, it would be wrong, and it would not align with international law. And unfortunately, it would only set the stage for this threat to happen again,” Yermak said.

He emphasized that Ukraine must reclaim all its territories and citizens, and noted that multiple approaches can be considered to achieve this goal.

According to Yermak, Ukraine is not conducting any direct negotiations with the Russian Federation at the moment. There can be "conferences" with mediating countries, but not negotiations.

“These talks, that there are some Ukraine-Russia negotiations, are certainly not true. Here’s what is actually happening: we have held thematic conferences. The first conference was on energy security, conducted online, with Qatar as a co-organizer. All these thematic conferences are without Russia. Following these, we established certain principles: if today Qatar, for example, or any other country, is willing to implement these agreements through separate arrangements with Ukraine and separately with Russia, they are welcome to do so,” Yermak said. “As far as I know at present, no such agreements have been reached by anyone. If such agreements do come about, Ukraine is prepared to consider them, as this fully aligns with the principles outlined in the Peace Formula.”