One of the advisers to President Vladimir Zelensky, Andriy Sibiga, said that Ukraine is ready to discuss the future of Crimea with Russia if the Armed Forces of Ukraine reach the border of the Russian-occupied peninsula.
Source: Sibiga in an interview Financial Times
Direct speech: “If we manage to achieve our strategic goals on the battlefield and when we are on the administrative border with Crimea, we are ready to open a diplomatic page to discuss this issue …
This does not mean that we exclude the path of liberation (of Crimea) by our army.”
Details: It is noted that his words have become “the clearest statement of interest in negotiations with the Russian Federation” since April 2022.
In addition, Sibigi’s words may reassure Western officials who are “skeptical about Ukraine’s ability to return the peninsula and fear that any attempt to do so militarily could push Russian President Vladimir Putin to escalate the war, possibly with the use of nuclear weapons.”
President Zelensky ruled out peace talks with the Russian Federation until Russian troops leave the entire territory of Ukraine, including Crimea.
Sibiga handles foreign policy issues in the Office of the President.
According to him, the president and his aides are now talking about the Crimea, as the Ukrainian army is approaching the start of the counteroffensive.
Zelenskiy’s spokesman did not respond to FT requests for comment.
Recall:
- President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Armed Forces of Ukraine could not yet launch a counteroffensive, which was planned for the spring, because there are not enough weapons now.
- The Deputy Minister of Defense urges Ukrainians not to ask the military when the counteroffensive will take place, so as not to interfere with their work.
- Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said that the Ukrainian General Staff is planning a counteroffensive in several directions, but it all depends on weather conditions. Also, the military is waiting for the “right moment”, but Reznikov believes that this will happen in April-May.
- With Western weapons and newly created assault units, Ukraine is ready for a decisive spring counter-offensive, but the crucible will be to restore losses and maintain the motivation of war-weary troops.
