Ukraine’s President warns of the risk of “cancelling all negotiations” with Russia

“I insist that the removal of our troops, our people, will put an end to all negotiations,” Zelensky told the media. Ukraine on April 17 and emphasized – “This will be a stalemate because we will not exchange our territory or our people for peace.”

President Zelensky announced that he would end all negotiations with Russia due to the tense situation in Mariupol. Photo: AP

The statement of the President of Ukraine took place in the context that Russia on April 16 confirmed that it had “completely occupied” the strategic city of Mariupol.

The Russian Defense Ministry said there are still “remnants” of Ukrainian forces hiding in the Azovstal metallurgical plant.

“The only chance to save their lives is to voluntarily surrender their guns” – radio station RT quoted Major General Igor Konashenkov, a spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Defense, emphasizing and adding that Ukrainian forces fighting in Mariupol will be guaranteed their lives if they lay down their weapons between 6-13 hours (local time). side) on April 17.

Smoke rises from the Azovstal metallurgical plant in Mariupol on April 14. Photo: Sputnik

The Russian-Ukrainian conflict has entered its 53rd day and for nearly two months the two sides have been having a tense confrontation in Mariupol, southern Ukraine. This is a strategic city on the coast of Azov, a corridor on the border between the Crimean peninsula and the breakaway region in eastern Ukraine. If it controls this location, Russia can establish a land corridor between Russia and the Donbas and Crimea regions as well as fully control the Sea of ​​Azov.

Contrary to Russia’s statement, the Kiev side insists that their troops are still holding the strategic port city of Mariupol, according to the British newspaper. Independent.

A badly damaged apartment building after fighting in Mariupol. Photo: AP

Referring to a town outside Kiev that has been ravaged by shelling, Mr Zelensky said: “There are more places like Borodyanka that will make negotiations more difficult, more distant.”

In Kiev, mayor Vitali Klitscho said that Ukrainians who have left the capital in recent weeks should not now return home.

Russia stepped up its air strikes in the Kiev region on April 16. Authorities in the capital Kiev and the western city of Lviv have confirmed explosions in this area, according to Independent.