Ukraine is cautious of Russian assurances of withdrawal of forces
Speaking to NDTV, he said that only a partial withdrawal of Russian forces taking place in certain pockets of Ukraine while shelling and attacks has continued unabated in most parts of the country.
New Delhi: With Russian forces continuing shelling and intensified its military operations, Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has hinted that the peace talks between his country and Russia have almost ended, considering the offensive carried out by Russia over Ukraine.
Speaking to NDTV, he said that only a partial withdrawal of Russian forces taking place in certain pockets of Ukraine while shelling and attacks has continued unabated in most parts of the country.
Claiming that his government had made a good offer to Russia to end the war, but Russia does not seem to be impressed as the assault has continued in Ukraine. The dialogues apparently have come to an end with Russia as they did not see any significant withdrawal of the forces.
It may be noted that the talks had resumed and delegations of both countries had met in Istanbul on Tuesday to end the war, but the talks remained inconclusive.
Russia had declared that it would drastically reduce its military activity in northern Ukraine, including near the capital Kyiv. However, Ukraine suspects the Russian withdrawal could be a tactical one to regroup for a stronger offensive in the eastern part of the country.
"We indeed felt that some Russian withdrawal from some areas was taking place. But if you see the light at the end of the tunnel, make sure it is not of an incoming train. So we need to be cautious about Russian assurances," Kuleba said, adding the Russian withdrawal could be tactical, instead of a constructive move.
He said that Ukraine wants to see the promise being implemented on the ground by Russia. “We are on the right side of history. We didn't invade anyone. The initial assumption that the war would be over in a matter of day has been proven wrong. Now we are in the second month," he said.
Earlier Moscow also played down hopes of a breakthrough following the peace talks in Istanbul a day earlier.
"We cannot state that there was anything too promising or any breakthroughs. There is a lot of work to be done ", Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
