Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's adviser Mikhail Podolyak said on Friday Kiev is ready to discuss the country's potential neutrality with Russia but will need security guarantees.
"Ukraine has always left and leaves space for negotiations. Including now, when Russia went on a full-scale invasion. This war must be stopped. These hostilities must be stopped," Podolyak told RBC. "We heard from Moscow what they want to say. If they want to talk about status neutrality, we have no fear of such a discussion. The only question is who and how will be able to guarantee the security of Ukraine and the implementation of the agreements by the guarantors," he added.
Earlier, the Kremlin stated Russia is prepared to hold negotiations with Ukraine, noting Moscow would expect Kiev to agree to "its neutral status and refusal to host weapons" in order to resolve the current crisis. Ahead of launching an intervention in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin called on the country to give up NATO membership ambitions.
