Marcin Wyrwał: How did you react to Russian-Ukrainian negotiations in Istanbul?
Ambassador Wasyl Bodnar: This is a good start. This, of course, was not the expected level of the Russian delegation, which could take some action or decisions regarding the suspension of weapons or peace. But I believe that we are on the way to bring this time and we are on the right way to the room.
We appreciate the efforts of the Turkish side, but also the American side. We are also grateful to European leaders who were involved in talks with President Zelnski, including Prime Minister Tusk, who was one of them. It is important to speak in a common voice, so at the level of European leaders and in communication with the American side. It is important to show a coherent approach to pressure on Russia, because we understand that Russia does not want peace.
From the information that reaches me from various sources, I know that the Russians wanted to put the Ukrainian side conditions that indicate that there is no will to peace. This once again confirms our thesis that we must engage in exerting greater pressure on Russia, because Russia only understands strength and through strength must be forced to suspend weapons, to peace, to respect the international order and comply with the principles of law.
I can't say that yet because we don't know the details yet. However, whatever they would like, we didn't fight to give them something they want. Our task is to terminate hostilities and solve problems by diplomatic path in the participation of the United States, the European Union and other partners, such as Turkey, and not to meet Putin's excessive expectations, because he only wants more. It won't be!
Ukrainian ambassador about the Russian delegation: they repeated stupid things
The Russians strongly emphasized that their delegation had to wait a long time for the Ukrainian delegation, which reached Istanbul only late in the evening of May 15. What was the reason for this delay?
At the beginning, our delegation was at a very high level and President Zelanski expected Putin and a serious delegation to appear from the Russian side, and the people on their part who came to Turkey did not have adequate powers of attorney. These people only passed the Kremlin's demands. They had nothing to do with the negotiations that would lead to the suspension of weapons and the implementation of agreements that were achieved with the American side.
Continuation of the material under the video
So it was about a proper reduction in the rank of your delegation to the rank that the Russian side presented?
The Minister of Defense of Die and people who participated in conversations is not a reduced level of delegation, but of course they were not people of the rank of President Zelans. After all, President Zelanski cannot talk to some unknown Russian officials. Because I don't even know who Miedin is now [szef rosyjskiej delegacji].
He is Putin's advisor and former culture minister.
Well, he was a minister once, but not now. I believe that sending these people was a frivolous treatment of those proposals that fell from the Ukrainian and American side. The delegation that came from Moscow was not authorized and able to reach any agreements. They repeated those stupid things they spoke in Istanbul in 2022. [podczas tamtych negocjacji Rosjanie proponowali warunki oznaczające de facto kapitulację Ukrainy]. It just won't bring any results.
“Russia's demands are unrealistic. Americans must react”
Russia from the beginning of attempts to negotiate presents such a hard position that the effects of conversations in Istanbul could be easily predicted before they started and it is difficult to expect anything to change in this matter. Does this mean that everyone is to be prepared for the next year of the war?
We are really preparing to consolidate a common position with American and European sites. From the beginning, we understood that Russia did not want to reach any agreement, because it believes that it is in a stronger position and can impose its demands. We were ready for what happened and we did not expect a breakthrough.
Ukraine is the first to reach a suspension of weapons and peace, but no one in our country will agree to the Russian side, which are simply unrealistic.
I understand that this is a common position with Americans and Europe are sanctions for Russia?
Sanctions and help of Ukraine. In my opinion, we probably expected it after talks in Istanbul, not breakthroughs in communication with the Russian side. It seems to me that the best solution would be to involve the American side in direct conversations as a mediator who would have the opportunity to pressure on the Russian side. It makes no sense to press on us, because we constructively solve problematic issues through dialogue. However, the Russian side has no progress since the Trump administration began to look for solutions to the room. It seems to me that Americans must react to such behavior of the Russians.
Do you know anything about the kitchen of conversations in Istanbul, about relations between the two delegations?
We know from media reports that there were psychological pressure attempts on the part of the Russians, but in the fourth year of war it simply does not work. In this situation, we must focus on what is most important to us, i.e. on increasing our defense skills and we urge our European and American partners to do so.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
