Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak stated on Tuesday that Russia needs to be compelled to participate in a peace summit, as it is unlikely to do so willingly. Podolyak emphasised that coercive measures, including battlefield actions, are necessary to bring Russia to the negotiating table.
Cross-Border Incursions And Coercive Tactics
In an interview with national television, Podolyak highlighted Ukraine’s recent cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk region as a strategic move to pressure Moscow. “Simple calls to Russia do not work; only a set of coercive tools works,” Podolyak said, referencing both military actions and the importance of economic and diplomatic pressure.
He further explained that Ukraine’s operations in Russia’s border regions are aimed at enhancing its own security by targeting Russian war infrastructure and creating “sanitary zones” to prevent Russia from using these areas to launch strikes deep into Ukrainian territory.
Ongoing Conflict And Security Measures
A week after launching the incursion, Ukraine announced that it now controls 74 Russian settlements and is continuing its advance. These actions are part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to weaken Russia’s military capabilities and secure its own borders amidst the ongoing conflict.
Podolyak’s remarks underscore Ukraine’s determination to leverage both military and diplomatic means to compel Russia to engage in peace talks. The continued fighting and cross-border operations reflect the high stakes of the conflict, as Ukraine seeks to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
