Ukraine-Russia struggle newest: Kyiv hit by lethal strikes as Zelensky’s ex-aide reportedly ‘going to the front’
Ukraine’s top negotiator has said that Kyiv will never cede territory to Russia as part of a peace deal as long as Volodymyr Zelensky is president.
Speaking to The Atlantic, Andriy Yermak said that “not a single sane person today would sign a document to give up territory” following a week of discussion with US officials over how to end the war.
Yermak has sought to assure Washington that Kyiv is ready for peace and open to negotiation – but made it clear that territory such as the Donbas region is off-limits.
Ukrainian and US delegations are set to meet later this week to discuss security guarantees in a potential peace deal following talks in Geneva, Zelensky said earlier.
His comments come after Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Ukraine must give up territory for a peace deal to be possible, in a repeat of his maximalist demands for a peace deal.
However, he said that a 28-point plan presented by Donald Trump is a “basis for future agreements” while delivering a speech in Kyrgyzstan on Thursday.
Ukraine has tried to bounce US into a peace deal – but Putin is still in charge
Donald Trump and his envoys are neither honest brokers nor even allies of Kyiv’s fight to defend itself against Russian invaders. But, for a little while, it seems that Ukraine has managed to swing them away from being outright enemies.
Zuma’s daughter resigns from parliament over Ukraine war allegations
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla was a politician in the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) opposition party, which is led by her father.
MK officials said on Friday that she had resigned voluntarily.
Her departure from the National Assembly and all her other public roles was effective immediately, they said.
How much of Ukraine does Russia occupy?
Territorial disagreements remain key sticking points as Russia and Ukraine tentatively advance peace negotiations.
Russia currently occupies 20 per cent of Ukraine, and wants further control over more of major regions including Donbas and Donetsk.
The blacklisted businessman, the former film producer and the ex-soldier: Key players in Ukraine-Russia peace talks
Several countries and high-profile individuals are involved in the discussions, which have resulted in public disagreements. The Independent looks at some of the key characters below.
Belgian prime minister says Ukraine peace deal would be blocked by plans to use frozen Russian assets
Belgium’s prime minister Bart De Wever has said that the European Union’s plan to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine could endanger a peace deal.
The plan to use €140b in frozen Russian assets has failed to secure Belgium’s backing after De Wever has repeatedly expressed concern about the scheme.
“Hastily moving forward on the proposed reparations loan scheme would have, as collateral damage, that we as EU are effectively preventing reaching an eventual peace deal,” De Wever said in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, according to the Financial Times.
An EU spokesperson said “intensive discussions” remain ongoing.
Full story: Zelensky’s chief of staff has home and offices raided in $100m anti-corruption probe
“The investigators are facing no obstacles” the former film producer wrote on Telegram. “They were given full access to the apartment, my lawyers are on site, interacting with law enforcement officers. For my part, I fully cooperate.”
In pictures: Putin and Orban meet in Moscow to discuss energy and Ukraine
Hungary’s prime minister Viktor Orban has landed in Moscow to meet with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
The leaders will discuss energy, with Hungary heavily reliant on Russian oil, as well as ongoing negotiations with Ukraine.
UK says talks to join EU defence fund have broken down
Britain said talks to join the European Union’s defence fund, SAFE, had broken down in a statement on Friday.
“While it is disappointing that we have not been able to conclude discussions on UK participation in the first round of SAFE, the UK defence industry will still be able to participate in projects through SAFE on third country terms,” said Nick Thomas-Symonds, Britain’s minister for European Union Relations.
“Negotiations were carried out in good faith, but our position was always clear: we will only sign agreements that are in the national interest and provide value for money.”
Romania’s defence minister resigns over education row
Romania’s defence minister Ionut Mosteanu resigned on Friday after it was revealed he had lied about his studies in his resume.
Mosteanu wrote a statement on Facebook, saying: “Romania and Europe are under Russia’s assault. Our national security must be protected at all cost.
“I do not want discussions about my education and mistakes I made years ago to distract those who lead the country now from their hard mission.”
US and Ukraine delegations to meet this week to discuss peace formula, says Zelensky
Members of the Ukrainian and US delegations are to meet this week to work out a formula discussed at talks in Geneva to bring peace and provide security guarantees for Kyiv, Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
“Our team, together with American representatives, will meet at the end of this week to continue to bring closer the points we have as a result of (talks in) Geneva in a form that will lead us on the path to peace and security guarantees,” Zelensky said in his nightly video address.
“There will be a meeting of delegations. The Ukrainian delegation will be well prepared and focused on meaningful work,” he said.
Source: independent.co.uk
