Ukraine official avers Kyiv in negotiations with Russia only on humanitarian concerns

As Russian war escalates in east Europe, a Kyiv official on Wednesday said that Ukraine is in talks with Moscow only on humanitarian issues. Speaking at a pan Ukraine television marathon, Presidential office visor Mykhailo Podoliak informed a "subgroup" is holding negotiations with Russia over concerns related to exchange of prisoners and war casualties. He clarified, that discussions do t count as direct participation of Kyiv in formal deliberations over cessation of ongoing violence by Russian Federation.

"re are certain contacts, but at level of humanitarian subgroups. Because we always need to solve issues related to exchange of prisoners and exchange of bodies. And if possible, certain humanitarian corridors should also be opened. From a political and diplomatic point of view, [Ukraine-Russia talks] have been paused," Ukrinform quotes Podoliak as saying.

Podoliak went on and accused Russian Federation of using its army as "cann fodder" in order to strengn its positions. He said, "Russia still believes that y w have eugh manpower, which y will t regret using as consumables, which y will t regret losing on battlefield. That is, y are certainly following this illusion and y want to receive certain tactical defeats. When we have certain tactical wins, we would be able to sit down at negotiating table." ting grave losses faced by Russian troops in Ukraine, Podoliak said it is "simply" visable that Russia "postpones war for some time," Ukrinform reported.

Over 36,650 Russian troops killed in Ukraine since Feb 24

pernicious impact of Russia's war is w visible on nearly every street and building in Ukraine as fighting continues for 134 days. As conflict burgeons in eastern part of country, Ukraine Armed Forces, in its latest operational briefing, claimed to have eliminated over  36,650 Russian troops since invasion began on February 24. General Staff of Armed Forces of Ukraine, in a statement, specified that until July 3, defenders have "liquidated" 36,650 Russian personnel (+ 150 over past day).

statement also ded that Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed as many as 1,602 tanks, 3,797 armoured personnel vehicles, 801 artillery systems, 247 multiple rocket launchers, and 107 anti-craft warfare systems. Apart from this, Kyiv defence forces also damd at least 217 aircraft and 187 helicopters since February 24. Furr, y have also wrecked over 667 operational-tactical level UAVs and 155 cruise missiles.

(Im: AP)