Kyrylo Budanov, a senior Ukrainian negotiator, said talks between Ukraine and Russia are moving toward a potential agreement, the Ukrinform news agency reported Friday, reported Xinhua.
"They all understand that the war has to end. That's why the negotiations are underway. I don't think it will take long," said Budanov, Ukraine's Presidential Office chief.
He acknowledged that both sides so far maintained "maximalist" positions in the talks, but expressed confidence that they will move closer in search of a compromise.
Delegations from Ukraine, the United States, and Russia previously held two rounds of talks in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 23-24 and Feb. 4-5, followed by another round in Geneva on Feb. 17-18.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, further meetings were temporarily postponed due to shifting U.S. foreign policy priorities focusing on the conflict in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that Ukraine is ready for "symmetrical steps" if Russia adheres to an Orthodox Easter ceasefire.
"Ukraine has repeatedly stated that we are ready for symmetrical steps. We proposed a ceasefire during the Easter holidays this year and will act accordingly," Zelensky wrote on X.
He said that people need an Easter free from threats and real movement toward peace.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Thursday an Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, set to run from 16:00 on April 11 till the end of the day on April 12, the Kremlin said in a statement.
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Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
