There is a humanitarian component of the negotiations with Russia and a political one. And it is imperative to negotiate within the framework of the humanitarian component (exchange of prisoners, humanitarian corridors).

This was stated by adviser to the head of the Office of the President Mikhail Podolyak on the air of NV radio, commenting on the recent statement by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky that Ukraine could completely stop negotiations with Russia , and the reason for this would be the killing of captured civilians and soldiers.

“Negotiations with Russia can be carried out within the framework of the humanitarian component, that is, the exchange of prisoners, humanitarian corridors, which Ms. Vereshchuk is involved in, and so on. That is, such (negotiations – ed.) must be conducted. We must either take our people or bring in something something, including medicines, and the like,” he said.

Currently, according to Podolyak, the negotiations are on pause.

“As for the political component of the negotiations, I once again emphasize that the president will directively suggest to us: either we continue to conduct some negotiations or we do not continue. Today, the negotiations are on pause, the president has repeatedly spoken about this,” the adviser to the head of the Presidential Office concluded .

Recall that on May 7, all women, children and elderly people from Azovstal were evacuated . This part of the Mariupol humanitarian operation has been completed.

At the same time, Russian troops killed three Ukrainian soldiers from Azovstal while evacuating civilians.

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