Russia’s chief negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, gave an interview to Rossiya 24, in which he analyzed the state of negotiations with Ukraine. Putin’s adviser appreciated the fact that Ukraine had made a written commitment to leave NATO, but explained that Russia’s position on the Donbas and Crimea had not changed.
“Ukraine has stated its readiness to meet the fundamental requirements that Russia has insisted on in recent years,” Medinsky said in an interview, RIA Novosti reported.
The Russian negotiator stressed that Ukraine had made a written commitment not to join NATO in the future, not to have nuclear weapons or the deployment of military bases, thus fulfilling the demand to remain in neutral status.
“If these commitments are fulfilled, the threat of establishing a NATO base on the territory of Ukraine will be eliminated. This is the essence, meaning and significance of the document agreed by Ukraine. “Work is continuing,” he added.
No concessions to Crimea and Donbas
Putin’s adviser wanted to say in an interview that his position on Crimea and Donbass had not changed.
“I want to emphasize that our side’s position on Crimea-Donba remains unchanged,” he said.
The Ukrainian delegation at a meeting in Istanbul was in favor of removing this acute issue from the ongoing negotiations to achieve a ceasefire.
Ukraine offers to negotiate the situation in Crimea with Russia “for 15 years”, beyond a possible ceasefire agreement. They also offer a commitment that Ukraine “will not use force to liberate territories” that would not fall outside the agreement on security guarantees in which other countries would be involved.
Russia makes it clear that this is only a proposal from Ukraine. For their part, they continue to demand Russia’s recognition of the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the recognition of the independence of the “People’s Republics” of Donetsk and Lugansk, located in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine and recognized by Russia. . Ukraine has refused to accept any agreement that calls into question its borders and territorial integrity.
Source: El Diario
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
