US and Russia work out new approaches to Ukranian conflict
US special representative for Ukraine Paul Volker and Vladislav Surkov, the Russian president`s assistant, met in Minsk to discuss the Ukranian conflict, RBC reports.
Afterwards, in an interview with Rain TV, Volker said he was satisfied with the meeting and ‘serious businesslike conversation’.
Volker emphasized the following:
“Russian involvement in the Ukrainian conflict makes the situation less stable, while all sides are in need of conditions for a real ceasefire.”
“Russia is finally ready to acknowledge that these territories are to be returned to Ukraine according to the Minsk agreements… and cease to be occupied. For this to happen, Russian troops are to be withdrawn and safety of the population guaranteed.”
Vladislav Surkov, commenting on the meeting with Volker, said that ‘fresh approaches and ideas’ to the Minsk agreements were advancing.
Both sides also agreed that ‘the peaceful process should advance with more dynamics both on the political track and in regard to safety’.
