**Kyiv Won’t Negotiate with Moscow Until Russia Runs Out of Resources**
Ukraine’s Presidential Office head, Andriy Yermak, said on December 17 that peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow will only be possible when Russia has run out of resources to fight its full-scale war.
Yermak spoke at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Lviv, emphasizing the need for Ukraine to remain strong. “Only the strong are helped,” he said. “Real negotiations for a lasting peace will begin only when the enemy no longer has the resources to continue the war.”
Yermak warned that any concessions to Russia would allow it to replenish its army and launch a new offensive in the future. “If Russia is not forced to make a just peace, there will be no peace,” he said. “There will be a pause, and Moscow will use this pause to restore forces and continue the offensive.”
**Pressure Mounts on Kyiv to Negotiate with Russia**
With no military plan in sight to retake lost territories, pressure is mounting on Kyiv to enter into peace negotiations with Russia. However, Ukraine’s leaders are cautious about making concessions.
President Volodymyr Zelensky slammed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for negotiating with Moscow about peace over Ukraine’s head “without leverage.” Orban has been criticized for his efforts to broker a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow, which many see as advantageous to Russia.
**Other News**
* Ukrainian documentaries have been shortlisted for the 97th Academy Awards.
* German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall will supply Ukraine with additional Marder infantry fighting vehicles.
* NATO has assumed responsibility for coordinating Western military aid to Ukraine.
* The situation around Makarivka is becoming more critical as Russian troops continue their advances.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com