Ukrainian President Zelensky said in an interview with the Associated Press on April 10 that he would continue to negotiate peace despite the massacre and attack on Ukrainians by Russian forces. “Who would want to negotiate with those who perpetrated such atrocities?” he asked, but he said, “I don’t want to lose that opportunity if I can find a diplomatic solution.”
However, even if negotiations resume, the Ukrainian side seems to have no choice but to push ahead with a tougher stance than before. “After the incident of the secondary massacre, the atmosphere on our side in negotiating has completely changed,” said Podolyak, the presidential aide, who is the negotiator.
According to Turkey, a key mediator in the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations, both sides have expressed their willingness to continue negotiations despite the massacre of civilians by Russian troops in Bucha and elsewhere. Russia has completely denied the atrocities committed by its military, calling it a “American conspiracy play.” The international community’s reaction is cold. The UN General Assembly, at its annual special meeting on April 7, passed a resolution demanding the suspension of qualifications for Russia, a member of the Human Rights Council, with an overwhelming majority in favor. It is unprecedented for Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council, to be expelled from a major UN organization since the establishment of the UN in 1945.
© EPN