Part 4/7:
Pristaiko describes the diplomatic environment with Russia as structured yet bewilderingly tricky. He notes that the Russian team often outnumbers their Ukrainian counterparts, allowing them to utilize various tactics aimed at gaining the upper hand. One such tactic involved convoluting the process before discussions even began. For example, when arriving in Minsk, Pristaiko's team noticed a title that excluded Ukraine from the negotiations. When he insisted on Ukraine's inclusion, the Russians subtly changed the title behind their backs, creating confusion and undermining Ukraine's position.