By KYIV. Nov 8 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Mykhailo Podoliak says that a possible agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin is "a one-way ticket to the world, where international law no longer works, where force rules the law, and the force is nuclear weapons."
"Why should we pay such a price if Putin does not give up the goal of destroying us? A ceasefire for Russia is a tactical pause for reinforcement. Is it worth making such a gift to Moscow?" he said in an interview with La Reppublica, according to the press service of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
Asked whether Ukraine would continue to fight if western countries refused to provide it with new military assistance, Podoliak said, "Ask the Ukrainians. Those whose homes were hit by Russian missiles. Those whose loved ones were killed or raped. Sleeping in cold wet trenches. Ask those who will stay here for the winter, knowing that Russia will try to deprive us of electricity, water and communications. Ask, looking these people in the eye."
“We do not have a choice. Russia invaded us with mobile crematoria and half a million body bags. If we stop defending ourselves, we will cease to exist. Literally. Physically. We will continue to fight even if we are stabbed in the back," he said.
At the same time, Podoliak urged not to speculate on the topic of talks between representatives of the Pentagon and the Russian Defense Ministry. The armed forces of both countries can communicate with each other even to receive warnings about the consequences of the use of mass destruction weapons. But there are no negotiations between Russia and Western countries on Ukraine.
"Our partners adhere to the principle ‘nothing about Ukraine in the absence of Ukraine’. Neither side will be able to ensure the implementation of agreements without the support of the Ukrainian people," Podoliak said.
