Verkhovna Rada Speaker Oleksandr Turchynov said diplomacy alone cannot settle the conflict in eastern Ukraine effectively.

"Diplomatic talks and consultations are necessary, of course, and efforts to negotiate a peace accord must be continued," he said on Channel 5 on Sunday.

"But, honestly, I don't think diplomacy can yield results. Only the Ukrainian armed forces and National Guard can put an end to this war and liberate Donetsk and Luhansk regions," Turchynov said.

"There is no other realistic option," he said.