UN rapporteur says Moscow’s forces use torture as ‘deliberate policy’ in Ukraine
Ukrainians holding placards reading 'Captivity is killing!', 'Don't be silent!', 'Free Azov', among others during a rally in Kiev calling for authorities to return their relatives from Russian captivity. Photograph: EPA
“The word negotiate is a courageous word. When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate,” he added, noting that Turkey had offered to host peace talks – and replying that “I am here” when asked if he would mediate. Ukrainians expressed outrage on social media, and Anton Gerashchenko, a prominent blogger and former adviser to the interior ministry in Kyiv, said: “If Pope Francis lived in 1940 he would probably suggest to Great Britain to surrender, lay down their arms in front of Germany and negotiate with Hitler.
Polish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski said: “How about, for balance, encouraging Putin to have the courage to withdraw his army from Ukraine? Peace would immediately ensue without the need for negotiations.”