Zelensky chief of staff expresses "cautious optimism" about talks with Russia

axios.com: Andriy Ermak, head of the administration of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, on Thursday announced progress in ceasefire negotiations with Russia and expressed "cautious optimism" about the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough to end the war.

Ermak said that negotiations with Russia were difficult at first, Russian officials put forward ultimatums, but after weeks a real dialogue began.

"It is still difficult and not easy, and the question is whether we will be able to agree. But there is progress, and we think that the moment when the two leaders will be able to meet is getting closer," Yermak said.

"We have cautious optimism. Negotiations are ongoing and we think we can agree on some things. The most important thing for us is the end of the war, the withdrawal of all Russian troops and the creation of a new security system for Ukraine," he added.

Yermak said that a meeting between Zelensky and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is necessary because this is the only way to solve the real thorny issues.

Putin has so far refused to meet directly with Zelensky.

Moscow demanded that Ukraine declare neutrality, exclude future membership in NATO and renounce all claims to Crimea and the "republics" of Donbass.

Ermak made it clear several times during the interview that Ukraine would not make any territorial concessions in the Donbass or Crimea.

"We are not going to give anything of our own. People who have been fighting for 30 days will not allow this. We don't want a single meter of Russian territory. We just want our territory back," he added.