Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv says territorial integrity is the top priority for talks with Russia to resume

Kyiv has maintained its main conditions in order for discussions with Russia to resume as the war moves toward its ninth month. The Ukrainian national security and defense council secretary said that for talks to resume, Ukraine’s territorial integrity must be restored fully.

Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary for the national security and defense council of Ukraine, said the number one priority for Kyiv was the restoration of its territorial integrity in order for talks with Russia to resume. Danilov also said that Ukraine needed a “guarantee” of modern air defenses, aircraft, tanks, and long-range missiles.

“Russia, negotiations. The main condition of the President of Ukraine is restoration of Ukrainian territorial integrity,” tweeted Danilov Tuesday. “Guarantee – modern air defense, aircraft, tanks, and long-range missiles. Strategy – proactive steps. Russian missiles must be destroyed before the launch in the air, on land, and at sea.”

Danilov’s comments follow remarks by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said Monday that he was open to talks with Russia, but only “genuine” negotiations that would restore Ukraine’s borders as well as grant compensation for Russian attacks and hold those responsible for war crimes accountable.

Zelenskyy’s remarks came days after a report by the Washington Post said that the United States wanted Kyiv to signal its willingness for talks out of concern that appearing too intransigent may affect its case for international support.

On the same day, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that there was no reason to evacuate residents in Kyiv or any other cities that are not near the front lines at this time. Ukrainian forces are set on reclaiming the territory of Kherson as part of its counter-offensive in the eastern and southern regions.

Shmyhal made his remarks during a cabinet meeting following Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and following the remarks of Kyiv’s mayor telling residents to prepare for every possible situation, including the scenario that the country’s capital also loses power and water.

“Right now, the situation is far from (needing) to announce an evacuation,” said Shmyhal during the meeting. “We must say to announce the evacuation of any city not near the front lines, especially the capital, would not make any sense at present.”