Leader of pro-presidential faction in Ukraine's Rada believes talks with Russia could only deal with POWs exchange, grain corridor for now

MOSCOW. Feb 27 (Interfax) - Any talks with Russia, except for discussing the exchange of prisoners of war and ensuring the grain corridor, make no sense as of now, head of the Servant of the People pro-presidential faction in the Verkhovna Rada David Arakhamia said.

"I think, as of now, any negotiations with Russia, except for the exchange of prisoners of war or some details of the 'grain corridor,' make no sense anymore," Arakhamia was quoted by Ukrainian media as saying in a statement that he made on the national telethon overnight into Thursday.

According to the lawmaker, in the current circumstances "this [negotiations] weakens Ukraine's position, but strengthens that of Russia."

"There are many partners who currently have to help us in the so-called international coalition, but they want to end this as soon as possible" and "resume trade and all economic relations" with Russia, Arakhamia said.

That is why now, according to the lawmaker, it is "not the right time for Ukraine to do this", that is, to restart the talks with Russia.

The main Ukrainian negotiator at this stage is the "defense forces," Arakhamia said. "They are virtually conducting these negotiations on the battlefield. And after our counteroffensive, such an opportunity could arise. But as of today, I do not see any signs that this could happen in the near future," he said.