The working groups’ meetings in the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group on the peaceful settlement of the situation in Donetsk and Luhansk regions were held in a constructive manner for the first time. It was stated by Head of the Ukrainian delegation in the Trilateral Contact Group Leonid Kuchma in Minsk on June 5.
"For the first time the meetings of the working groups were constructive. All parties wanted to find a solution. The tone of the discussion was completely different than before. We arrived with a road map from the President of Ukraine. The messages were that the Head of State really wants peace in that region. At the Trilateral Contact Group meeting, I expressed wishes that I heard from the President. It seems to me that everyone heard that the Ukrainian side and the other side want to resolve these problems. That is why there was mutual trust," Leonid Kuchma said.
According to him, during the meetings, the parties discussed the exchange of prisoners of war.
"I cannot say that tomorrow these issues will be resolved fundamentally. But I clearly know that they will be resolved. Also, the issue of our sailors was raised. I am also convinced that there will be progress in this direction," the Head of the Ukrainian delegation noted.
Leonid Kuchma also said that the TCG had discussed security issues. One of the arrangements was the indication of not only the beginning of the "ceasefire regime", but also the mechanism for its implementation.
"This is fundamental. As both parties didn’t want to put themselves in a disadvantaged position and then be responsible for that. And today, we must show to the whole world that we want this "ceasefire regime". The prohibition to shoot in response must be envisaged, as well as the ban of the shelling of public institutions - schools, kindergartens. By June 19, the group will have developed such proposals. We have to approve them on June 19," the Head of the Ukrainian delegation in the TCG told.
At the same time, Leonid Kuchma expressed hope that the results of today's meeting of the TCG would lead to a progress in the resolution of the issue of water supply in the occupied Donbas.
"We have agreed to work with the Cabinet of Ministers. We have reached a preliminary agreement that Vice Prime Minister - Minister for Regional Development, Construction and HCS of Ukraine Hennadiy Zubko will hold a meeting tomorrow to discuss the economic problems raised today," he said.
Also, the parties agreed to declare a ceasefire regime in Stanytsia Luhanska starting from June 10.