He says Ukraine must beat back Moscow's forces in the eastern Donbas region, where Moscow controls two separatist territories, for more negotiating power before before a meeting can take place between the Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"Ukraine is ready for big battles. Ukraine must win them, including in the Donbas. And once that happens, Ukraine will have a more powerful negotiating position," he said, as quoted by the Interfax news agency. "After that the presidents will meet. It could take two weeks, three."
"After that the presidents will meet. It could take two weeks, three."