According to the minister, there were several negotiation tracks through international partners. As a result of these efforts, a "humanitarian corridor" was established, allowing 400,000 people to leave the territory occupied by Russia, as well as the exchange of prisoners of war, political detainees, and wounded soldiers. Additionally, they facilitated an agreement on grain exports, which enabled Ukraine to resume shipments via the Black Sea, he stated.
The United States has always been aware of these contacts, Umerov noted. He mentioned that the Ukrainian side consistently consulted with the U.S. on every direction.
American officials confirmed that secret negotiations took place in 2022, when Russia publicly threatened to use tactical nuclear weapons, the publication reports. When asked whether any similar negotiations are currently ongoing through clandestine channels, Umerov responded that "the humanitarian track is still open."