Pavel Polityuk, Serhiy Takhmazov

KYIV (Reuters) – As officials from the United States and Russia began talks https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/prospects-dim-us-russia-start-tense-talks-over-ukraine-crisis-2022-01-10 on Monday over Ukraine’s security, Kyiv resident Oleh was among those who questioned why the country at the centre of the crisis was not at the negotiating table.

According to the 59 year-old, “I don’t think it should be this way.”

Ukraine should be represented at these meetings, as it is more involved than the United States and other countries. Ukraine must sit in the front row.

Washington is hopeful that talks will prevent a Russian military attack in Ukraine. However, it won’t concede to Moscow security demands. These include the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO.

Ukraine sought assurances from its allies, and was granted them.

“Ukraine must attend such talks since they directly concern it security, its lives,” stated another Kyiv resident Valentyna (57 years old),

Ukraine, despite its inability to attend the Geneva talks, has asked both the United States of America and Europe to develop tough sanctions as part of their diplomatic effort to disarm Russia.

On Monday, the Ukrainian and NATO leaders meet in Brussels.

ALARM AND DEFIANCE

While voicing their dismay at the presence of Russian soldiers near Ukraine’s borders, Ukrainians strike a determined tone.

On Sunday more than 150 protesters gathered in Kyiv, waving signs that said “SAY NO TO PUTIN”.

According to KIIS, 49% thought that the threat of invading Ukraine was real. 59% said that they would vote for “yes”, while 28% said “no” during a referendum about joining NATO.

A further 33% of respondents said that they are ready to resist Russia armed, while 21% indicated they would be open for civil resistance.

The war in Ukraine against Russian-backed troops in Eastern Ukraine began in 2014. Zelenskiy claimed that this conflict had killed up to 15,000 people despite the Minsk peace agreement.

Katerynivka, a village in Luhansk that was bombed out during World War II has scars from the conflict. It is home to empty streets and homes which were destroyed or abandoned by the shelling.

Serhiy is a local resident and he lives just 100 meters away from the frontline with his son. According to him, he heard gunfire nearly every day.

He stated, “Everyone seeks peace, everybody wants tranquility.”

Negotiations begin in Geneva on Monday, and then move to Brussels or Vienna. This is the most volatile period for relations between Russia and America since the Cold War.

Donetsk residents saw no reason, unlike in Kyiv.

“What is the purpose of talking to Ukraine?” Andrei, 59 years old, said that it seemed to him they don’t take any decision.

They have forgotten the Minsk Agreements and are not fulfilling them. I don’t think it is worth talking to them about anything, since they no longer participate in these negotiations.