Negotiations are impossible with people who target nuclear facilities, former Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu has said
Attempts by Ukrainian forces to target the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant amid their incursion into Russia are “top-level terrorism,” according to the secretary of the Russian Security Council, Sergey Shoigu.
The remark was part of an interview with the Russia 24 news channel, which the outlet intends to broadcast later on Tuesday. According to a preview, Shoigu declared alleged Ukrainian attempts to seize the nuclear site a “very significant element” which proves the “terrorist” nature of the government in Kiev.
“We did not negotiate with terrorists, are not negotiating, and will not – and that is who they are,” he said.
Moreover, no peace talks will be possible until Ukrainian forces are “thrown out” of Russia, the former defense minister added.
Last month, Kiev deployed thousands of troops across the border in an attempt to distract the Russian military from the fighting on the front line. The Ukrainians did seize some territory during the ongoing incursion, but failed to advance deeper inside Russia or stop the Russian advancement in Donbass.
Russian President Vladimir Putin cited attacks on civilians in Kursk Region and on nuclear power stations when he revoked his offer of a ceasefire following the Ukrainian incursion. Previously, Putin said he would support a truce conditional on political and military concessions by Kiev.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Ukraine has lost over 11,000 troops in its Kursk operation, along with hundreds of military vehicles and scores of heavy weapons. Putin has said the high casualty rate could result in the full collapse of the Ukrainian army.
