The President of Ukraine Wolodymyr Selenskyj sees “positive” signals in the latest round of negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators in Istanbul. Nevertheless, the shelling by the Russian attackers continues, he said in a video message published Tuesday evening. “The Russian army still has great potential to continue attacks on our state.” That is why Ukraine will not reduce its defense efforts.
“When we get back what’s ours”
There should also be no lifting of sanctions against Russia, Zelenskyy said. This “can only be considered when the war is over and we get back what is ours”.
Previously, Russia’s Deputy Minister of Defense Alexander Fomin announced after the talks “in order to strengthen confidence”, the “radical” reduction of Russia’s military activities near Kyiv and Chernihiv in the north of the country had been decided. The Ukrainian side said in Istanbul that after the negotiations a meeting of the heads of state from both sides now seems possible.
However, the US Department of Defense reacted to Russia’s announcement with great skepticism. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said only a “small number” of Russian soldiers appeared to be leaving Kyiv so far. This is not a “retreat” but a “repositioning” of the troops.