Ukrainian Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Mykhailo Podoliak has made it clear that the issue of war and peace cannot be resolved through bilateral negotiations between Russia and the United States. In a recent statement, he emphasized that Ukraine’s presence is essential in any negotiation framework, suggesting that a comprehensive resolution to the conflict requires the direct involvement of Kyiv.
Podoliak’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about potential diplomatic pathways to end the war in Ukraine, which has been ongoing since 2014. While the U.S. and Russia have engaged in various rounds of talks, Podoliak suggested that these efforts have not addressed the core issues that the conflict is based upon. He reiterated that without Ukraine’s active participation, any resolution will remain incomplete and potentially unsustainable.
The Deputy Head of the Presidential Office is a key figure in Ukraine’s government, and his statements carry significant weight in shaping the country’s foreign policy stance. Podoliak’s comments also reflect the broader Ukrainian position that the war’s resolution must involve all parties in a transparent and inclusive manner, rather than being dictated by external powers alone.