'If breakthrough occurs, U.S. has 'pressured' Ukrainian delegation': expert on Saudi Arabia talks

He said this on Espreso TV. 

"Russia is fundamentally pursuing an imperial line, demonstrating that it is not ready to make any concessions and will not. I am far from thinking that today’s meeting will lead to any breakthrough in relations. So, if there is a breakthrough, it will mean that the Americans, based on their desire to normalize relations with Russia, have 'pressured' the Ukrainian delegation," Mahda emphasized.

Mahda added that Ukraine is in a difficult situation because out of the four participants in our delegation, one has no diplomatic experience at all. In a situation where the delegation must operate as a well-coordinated mechanism, this is our problem. 

"Plus, the U.S. has constantly carried out information attacks on Ukraine, creating situations where Ukraine felt almost guilty. Unfortunately, the Ukrainian delegation did not take the opportunity to strengthen its composition with professional diplomats. Such strengthening did not happen. We continue to operate under the paradigm of 5-6 managers, who often lack the necessary professional training to effectively defend Ukraine’s interests," Mahda added.

• Ukrainian politician and diplomat Roman Bezsmertnyi shared his opinion on the topics that will be discussed during the negotiations in Saudi Arabia.