Negotiations are currently underway at the highest level on the date of a meeting in the Normandy format. Germany and France will offer this date to Russia soon, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
During a press marathon, the Head of State noted that France, Germany and Ukraine had previously offered to meet in the Normandy format on September 16, but the Russian side did not confirm and did not agree this date.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned that it was difficult to arrange a summit of leaders of the Normandy Four.
“Since 2016, it has not taken place. Generally, there was a feeling that no one of the authorities had needed it. We said: we need it. We need to look into each other's eyes to understand what we want, and to understand the real steps when and how we can end the war because we really want it,” the President of Ukraine emphasized.
He stressed that a meeting in the Normandy format was necessary for the end of the war. According to him, a number of steps had been taken to organize these negotiations. There was the troops separation near Stanytsia Luhanska, there was mutual release of detainees, the so-called Steinmeier Formula was confirmed. Then, the troops separation must be held in the area of Zolote and Petrivske. “These are not conditions, but something that has been discussed in Minsk ... Each party must show the desire to end the war, ” the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the date of the meeting of the Normandy Four is being discussed. In particular, this was discussed during a telephone conversation with Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel on October 9. The Federal Chancellor of Germany will discuss the issue with the French side. “Then they will offer a date to the Russian side. I have dates that we agree to because I count every day ... Everybody ask, why do you eager for meeting in the Normandy format? I have a nameplate (of the victims in Donbas. - Ed.). In two days, one person – here such statistics. Have I to hurry or not? ”the President said.
The Head of State also noted that the Normandy format is also an opportunity to return to the issue of the occupied Crimea. “Just at least get back to the discussion of this issue. The Crimean issue still is in the sanctioned format,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
As for the law on the so-called special status of Donbas, the President stressed again that it will be elaborated in close cooperation with society and take into account the “red lines”.
“What will be the new law on special status? We are ready to discuss the “red lines” with journalists, the society. And only then with the Verkhovna Rada. And after that wll vote, ” the President noted.
