Lead Ukrainian negotiator: 'It’s already WWIII'
Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the lead negotiator in Ukraine-Russia talks, is urging world leaders to take a stance on the conflict Russia has sparked in Ukraine, saying the third world war is already among us.
"It’s already World War III –- world leaders must now choose their side," Podolyak told ABC News. "Every leader of every country must explain why he will stand to the side at the time when Russia was shelling civilian children in Ukraine."
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Podolyak is "cautiously optimistic" that negotiations are progressing, he said, adding that Ukraine will not offer any concessions to Russia.
"My cautious optimism is based on the fact that they understand they will not break us and they will not have enough resources to answer what they started," he said.
Podolyak said that, despite what he described as "Russian propaganda" reports, no foreign fighters were killed during the strike on Yavoriv, on the outskirts of Lviv, on Sunday. He accused Russia of using the ceasefire -- which was implemented to establish humanitarian corridors -- to regroup and reposition themselves for strategic attacks.
In addition, the bombing and shelling of civilians in Southern Ukraine continues to intensify, Podolyak said.
More negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are schedule to take place tomorrow, Podolyak said.
-ABC News' Maggie Rulli