Ukraine wants to include Russia's nuclear arsenal in peace talks

Ria Novosti quoted the content of an interview between top advisor to the President of Ukraine, Mr. Mikhail Podolyak, with the French newspaper Le Point, saying that in case of sitting at the peace negotiating table with Russia, Ukraine plans to discuss the prospects of Russia's nuclear arsenal, and the issue of establishing a demilitarized zone on the territory of the Russian Federation.

“We must sign a ceasefire agreement, calculate reparations, hold a war crimes tribunal, discuss the future of Russia's nuclear arsenal, and demarcate demilitarized zones on the territory of the Russian Federation,” said adviser Mikhail Podolyak.

According to Mr. Podolyak, starting peace negotiations is impossible until Russian troops leave the territory of Ukraine - the border was demarcated in 1991.

Earlier, Ukrainian presidential adviser Podolyak mentioned the establishment of a demilitarized zone 100-120 km deep inside Russian territory, affirming that this is the "main topic" that needs to be discussed to achieve lasting peace.

According to Mr. Podolyak's idea, the demilitarized zone would be located on the territory of Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk and Rostov regions. These are Russian regions that border Ukraine.

According to Ria Novosti, Moscow has repeatedly stated that it is ready for negotiations, but Kiev has always refused. At the same time, the Kremlin noted that Russia's absolute priority is to achieve the goals of the special military operation. And at present, these goals can only be achieved by military means.

The Kremlin also affirmed that a prerequisite for peace negotiations is that the terms must take into account all of Moscow's demands.