Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak stated today that Ukraine "wants peace" and is ready to conduct talks with Russia. Podolyak said, "If talks are possible, they should take place. And if they say in Moscow that they want to hold discussions, including regarding the neutral status of Ukraine towards NATO, we are not afraid of that... we can talk about that as well." He added in a text message to Reuters, "Our willingness for dialogue is part of our persistent pursuit of peace."
The Russian response to Podolyak's proposal was swift. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated at a press conference that "the President of Ukraine is lying when he says he is ready to discuss the neutral status of his country." Lavrov confirmed that Russia is ready to engage in dialogue with Ukrainian authorities "as soon as the Ukrainian army stops fighting."
Additionally, the Kremlin noted today that it "heard about the readiness" of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss potential commitments from Ukraine regarding neutrality, but it said it could not comment on any possible talks between the leaders of the two countries. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked that Moscow will consider Zelensky's offer, adding that Moscow's expectations from Kyiv have not changed. Currently, Ukraine is not a member of NATO or the European Union despite its desire to join both, a move vehemently opposed by Moscow. For a long time, Moscow has demanded guarantees that Ukraine will not join NATO or allow the alliance to deploy troops and weapons on its territory.
It is noteworthy that Ukraine relinquished its nuclear weapons after gaining independence following the disintegration of the Soviet Union in exchange for security guarantees from European countries.
**Warning to Kyiv Residents**
On the ground, the authorities in Ukraine's capital Kyiv advised residents of the northwestern Obolon area today to stay away from the streets due to the proximity of "active hostilities" to the area. The city council issued a warning: "As hostilities approach, we urge residents of the Obolon area not to leave their homes."
