Negotiations with the Russian Federation must take place in the presence of international partners so that Putin cannot distort Ukraine’s position – Ohryzko

Former Foreign Minister Volodymyr Ohryzko believes that international partners must be present at any negotiations with Russia in order to prevent lies, manipulation, and the discrediting of Ukraine’s position by the Russian side.

The diplomat expressed this opinion on the air of “Radio NV,” as reported by Ukrinform.

“There is one very important point that I constantly emphasize, but which, I believe, still not everyone hears — both in Ukraine and abroad: we cannot go to Istanbul for one-on-one negotiations. Why? Because we would immediately come under pressure from Russian propaganda and lies,” Ohryzko noted.

According to the former Foreign Minister, based on his many years of direct negotiation experience with the Russians, he can speak about this with full responsibility.

“That is why it is absolutely essential, under any circumstances and in any format, to have representatives of the countries that have been to Kyiv — the European Commission and the United States — present at these negotiations. Then, Putin will no longer have any opportunity to lie, twist facts, invent things, or distort the truth,” the ex-minister believes.

In this context, he predicted that if only the two delegations are present in the negotiation room, Putin will simply walk out after the meeting and, within an hour or two, tell his reporters and the world that Zelensky rejected a ceasefire proposal — regardless of what the President of Ukraine actually says during the talks.

“Because that is the logic and the position of the Muscovites since the very emergence of the Tsardom of Moscow. So to expect anything different means failing to understand their very nature… Therefore, let us not keep stepping on the same rake over and over again, but instead do what will strengthen our position. I repeat once again: the internationalization of negotiations is the key to our success,” Ohryzko asserted.

In his view, Ukrainian diplomats, on behalf of the government, should now be offering this format of participation in negotiations with Russia to the foreign ministries of their partner countries.

“If someone can participate — great. If not — then not. But at least a few people must be present there,” the diplomat insisted.

As reported by Ukrinform, on May 10, Ukraine, together with its allies — France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland — proposed a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Should Russia refuse, Ukraine’s allies intend to tighten sanctions against it.

Later, Putin came forward with a proposal to hold direct talks with Ukraine “where they were interrupted” in 2022 — in Istanbul, Turkey, on May 15.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Ukraine’s readiness to meet with Russian representatives on the condition of a full ceasefire beginning on May 12.

He also stated that he would personally be waiting for Vladimir Putin in Turkey on May 15.

Meanwhile, on May 12, German federal government spokesperson Stefan Cornelius said at a briefing that if Russia does not join the ceasefire regime by the end of the day, Ukraine’s partners will follow through on their warning and impose sanctions against it.