Ukrainian presidential candidate and Batkivschyna Party leader Yulia Tymoshenko has said that Ukraine is not going to accept any ultimatums from Russia, and believes the unconditional implementation of the agreements reached in Geneva are the terms of possible negotiations.
She said on the Shuster Live program late on May 7 that a statement made by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his press secretary on May 7 suggests that “world sanctions against Russia are beginning to work and are sensitive enough for Putin’s plans and ambitions in Ukraine.”
“This shows that Putin is starting to retreat and search for a way to save face… Today we absolutely cannot accept any ultimatums. We can proceed to negotiations only in a quadrilateral format and only if Putin fulfills three important conditions: the release of hostages, the unblocking of administrative buildings blocked by Putin’s security services, and the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine’s borders,” Tymoshenko said.
She said that it was possible to begin talks only after the agreements reached in Geneva were implemented.
“Ukraine will not accept any ultimatums. We are stronger than you, because our position is right, and our actions are a matter of honor and dignity, and the Ukrainian people are on their own land,” Tymoshenko said.
While commenting on Putin’s statements, Tymoshenko also said: “It’s very difficult to imagine that the Russian president, who is the initiator of this aggression, undeclared war against Ukraine, needs to make some statements and sign documents to stop everything that is happening on our territory… Putin should finally do what a leader in the 21st century has to do – to return peace to Europe.”
