Zelensky's office comments on possible lifting of sanctions against Russia in exchange for ending blockade of Ukrainian ports
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According to Podolyak, no negotiations on concessions to the Russians should be held, as this will signal to them the weakness of the EU and the United States.
Read also: No negotiations until Russia gets back to reality - Podolyak
"Russia always blackmails, and is ready to kill people to get some extra opportunities for itself," he said.
"Let's imagine that some of the sanctions are lifted from it. This will stimulate it to further escalate the conflict. And not only in Ukraine. They (the Russians) will understand that the world is really weak, as it was before the war in Ukraine."
Read also: No ceasefire without complete withdrawal of Russian troops — Podolyak
The official added that the agreement to unblock ports in exchange for lifting some of the sanctions could lead to other countries later having to participate directly in hostilities against Russia.
"If you follow the lead in Russia by lifting some of the sanctions, they will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and will set new conditions," Podolyak said.
"It could be endless. Then the conflict in Ukraine will, in any case, grow to the maximum, they will bring here both military equipment and manpower. And sooner or later other European countries will be involved in hostilities."
