Temporary truce disadvantageous for Ukraine - Zelensky's Office

MOSCOW. Aug 25 (Interfax) - Negotiations with Russia would be disadvantageous for both Ukraine and Europe at this point, Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to the Ukrainian Presidential Office chief of staff, told the German newspaper Bild.

"Negotiations held today can only formalize a temporary truce," the Ukrainian media quoted Podolyak as saying with the reference to the Presidential Office's press service. He added that the truce would mean nothing but the next stage of the crisis to begin "sometime later."

Many citizens will not risk returning to Ukraine and there will be no investment in case of such "an incomplete resolution" of the crisis, Podolyak said. "There will be 'a growing gray zone' and it will be putting constant pressure on Europe. Then, Europe will have to continue heavy investment in this territory to keep it viable. That is disadvantageous for Europe in the medium- and long-term prospect," he said.