Ukrainian Foreign Minister Appears Pessimistic About Peace Negotiations With Russia, Here's Why

Power and heat plants in Ukraine were destroyed by the Russian attack. (Wikimedia Commons/dsns.gov.ua/State Emergency Service of Ukraine)

JAKARTA - Peace talks between the Ukrainian government and Russia are continuing. Unfortunately, after a number of meetings, a peace agreement has not yet been reached.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said peace talks with Russia were difficult. What caused it?

"The negotiation process was very difficult. The Ukrainian delegation has taken a strong position and has not given in to its demands. We insist, above all, on a ceasefire, guarantees of security and the territorial integrity of Ukraine," Kuleba said in a Facebook post, as reported by Antara.

He denied reports of progress in resolving four of the six main issues.

"There is no consensus with Russia on the four points," he said.

Kuleba then tweeted, saying there was no consensus in negotiations. He also called Russia sticking to the ultimatum.

"To stimulate a more constructive approach we need two things: additional sanctions and additional military assistance for Ukraine," he added.

Earlier a number of Turkish media outlets, including NTV, quoted President Tayyip Erdogan as saying that some progress in the Russia-Ukraine peace talks had been achieved.