By KYIV. Nov 16 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Russian President Vladimir Putin is not ready for serious peaceful talks with Ukraine, that is why there is no reason to hold them now, Special Representative of the U.S. Department of State in Ukraine (2017-2019), U.S. Ambassador to NATO 2008-2009 Kurt Volker said during an online discussion within the framework of Kyiv Security Forum organized by Open Ukraine: Arseniy Yatseniuk Foundation.
"Indeed, certain voices say that talks are necessary. Sooner or later. But I think the administration has stated it clearly that such calls should be stopped. And it said that it is not time for talks right now. Putin is not ready for talks," he said.
Ukraine has clearly pointed out its conditions for holding such talks, Volker said.
"Russia must leave the entire territory of Ukraine. This condition has been clearly determined for talks, just as well as payment of reparations, bringing to justice all those responsible of war crimes, and so on," he said.
Volker also said that Putin should realize that he will lose.
"Ukraine must liberate its territories. Putin should realize that he will lose and the Russian establishment and Russian people also should understand that they are defeated," he said.
