dmytro kileba/ photo from open sources
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Negotiations didn’t bring success regarding ceasefire from the Russian side. This was announced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba at a press conference after talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The parties also discussed the provision of humanitarian corridors.
«There was an almost hour and a half conversation between me and Sergei Lavrov. The first task is to organize a humanitarian corridor to and from Mariupol. It is the most difficult city in terms of the humanitarian situation. The second is to agree on a 24-hour truce to address all the urgent needs of war-torn people. As for the first question, I think Sergei Lavrov will communicate with those in Russia who make such decisions, and the corridor will work. I hope that the Russian Federation will allow the functioning of the humanitarian corridor from Mariupol, purely for human reasons, as it is happening now from Sumy to Poltava.
We cannot stop the war if the aggressor doesn’t want to do so. Today, I heard that the ceasefire is tied to Russia’s compliance with the conditions set by Putin against Ukraine. That is why I say that Ukraine has not surrendered, does not surrender and will not surrender. We are ready for diplomacy, we are looking for diplomatic solutions, but while they are not there, we will selflessly protect our land and people from Russian aggression,» – he said.
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The Foreign Minister of Ukraine also expressed readiness to continue the dialogue if the Russian side is ready for a serious, substantive conversation, rather than repeating the propaganda stamps against Ukraine. When Russia is ready for such a conversation, Dmytro Kuleba assures that the conversation will continue.
It will be recalled that the Russian military launched an air strike on a maternity hospital and a children’s hospital in Mariupol. According to police, another blow occurred near the city centre. Police are documenting the aftermath of the bombing. Explosives technicians are gathering evidence for the UN International Court of Justice.
Translated by Vitalii Holich
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