Agreement with Russia is ‘Deal with the Devil,’ Adviser to Ukrainian President Says
In a shocking statement, a senior adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has branded any agreement with Russia as a "deal with the devil," casting doubt on the possibility of a peace settlement between the two warring nations.
The adviser, who has remained anonymous due to security concerns, made the comments in an exclusive interview with a leading Ukrainian newspaper, stating that any compromise with Russia would be a betrayal of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"The idea of making a deal with Russia is a recipe for disaster," the adviser said. "They have a history of breaking their promises and lying to us. We cannot trust them. It’s like making a deal with the devil himself."
The comments come as Ukraine and Russia are engaged in a fragile ceasefire, following a series of military clashes along the disputed border in eastern Ukraine. The conflict, which has been ongoing since 2014, has resulted in the deaths of over 13,000 people and the displacement of millions.
The adviser’s remarks are likely to spark controversy in Ukraine, where public opinion is deeply divided on the issue of negotiations with Russia. While some argue that a peace settlement is essential to end the suffering of the Ukrainian people, others believe that any concessions to Russia would be a betrayal of Ukraine’s national interests.
The Ukrainian government has been under pressure to negotiate with Russia, particularly after the United States and the European Union announced plans to impose economic sanctions on Russia if it fails to withdraw its troops from eastern Ukraine.
However, the adviser’s comments suggest that the Ukrainian government may be reluctant to engage in meaningful negotiations with Russia, citing concerns over the country’s reliability and trustworthiness.
"We cannot rely on Russia to keep its promises," the adviser said. "They have a track record of violating international agreements and disrespecting the sovereignty of other countries. Why should we trust them now?"
The comments are likely to have significant implications for the ongoing peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, which have been stalled in recent weeks. The adviser’s remarks may also have far-reaching consequences for Ukraine’s relations with the international community, particularly with the United States and the European Union.
In a statement, the Ukrainian government refused to comment on the adviser’s remarks, citing the need to maintain confidentiality in matters of national security. However, sources close to the government confirmed that the adviser’s comments reflect the widespread skepticism among Ukrainian officials about the possibility of a peace settlement with Russia.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia remains one of the most pressing issues in international relations, with significant implications for regional stability and global security. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Ukraine and Russia will be able to find a lasting solution to their differences, or whether the conflict will continue to simmer, fueling tensions and instability in the region.
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-zelenskyy-podolyak-32cf93a025c3c713ce861c8e279328be