Ukrainian Official Warns Against Peace Deal with Russia Amid War Pressure and Western Support

Title: Ukrainian Official Warns Against Peace Deal with Russia, Labels It “Deal with the Devil”

KYIV, Ukraine — Mykhailo Podolyak, a top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressed strong reservations against signing a peace agreement with Russia, equating it to striking a deal with the devil.

Podolyak told The Associated Press in an interview on Thursday that a peace deal with Russia would only serve to give Russian President Vladimir Putin time to strengthen his army, leading to a potentially more violent chapter in the ongoing war in eastern Ukraine.

“If you sign anything today with Russia, that will not lose the war and will not be legally responsible for mass crimes, this will mean that you have signed yourself a ticket to continue the war on a different scale, with other protagonists, with a different number of killed and tortured people,” Podolyak warned.

Despite the war fatigue and difficult conditions faced by Ukrainians on the front lines, the sentiment against making territorial concessions to Russia in exchange for peace has continued to decrease, with only 55% of Ukrainians opposing such concessions in a recent poll.

While Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has hinted at a willingness to negotiate with Russia, Podolyak emphasized that any peace agreement at this stage would only delay greater violence.

Podolyak reiterated the importance of eroding Russian military might through increased military support, economic sanctions, and diplomatic pressure to isolate Russia as the key tools for ensuring lasting peace for Ukraine.

He also emphasized Ukraine’s strong relations with both the Republican and Democratic parties in the U.S., despite concerns over potential shifts in policy towards Ukraine based on the outcome of the U.S. presidential election.

Podolyak expressed confidence that regardless of the election outcome, Ukraine will continue to receive vital American military support.

In the face of ongoing uncertainty and pressure from various quarters, Ukraine remains steadfast in its pursuit of a lasting peace that safeguards its sovereignty and territorial integrity.