A meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) took place today, which could give restrained optimism about the possible de-escalation of the situation in Donbas and the unblocking of the peace process. The meeting reached a common understanding on the need to restore the ceasefire within the relevant steps agreed on July 22, 2020, as evidenced, inter alia, by OSCE representatives.
"For the first time in a long time, there is a real opportunity to ensure ceasefire on the contact line in Donetsk and Luhansk regions," Acting First Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Delegation to the TCG Andriy Kostin said. - The Ukrainian side is completely ready for this. It is important that we see the readiness of the other side to take this step."
This result is especially important in view of the upcoming winter holidays. It is traditional for our citizens to celebrate Christmas and New Year in peace and with the closest people. The security component is perceived as decisive. The ability to guarantee the full implementation of the relevant promises and to implement the measures to strengthen the ceasefire agreed on July 22, 2020 will also mean the possibility of peace and implementation of other necessary points.
The Ukrainian side also continues working in all available formats for the release of detainees, the opening of the checkpoints, and the implementation of other agreements in the interests of all Ukrainians on both sides of the contact line.