Shoigu Rules Out Talks With Ukraine Amid Kursk Incursion

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has ruled out the possibility of talks with Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian incursion into the Kursk region.

In a statement released by the Russian Defense Ministry, Shoigu said that "talks are currently not possible" and that "the priority now is to complete the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine."

Shoigu's statement comes as Russian forces continue to make advances in eastern Ukraine, having recently captured the city of Lysychansk.

Ukrainian officials have condemned Shoigu's statement, calling it a "declaration of war."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that "Ukraine will not give up its territory or its people" and that "we will continue to fight for our freedom and independence."

The international community has also condemned Shoigu's statement, with the United States saying that it is "deeply concerned" by the Russian defense minister's remarks.

The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire and the start of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.