12:57 02.12.2014

Russia sees real chance to end war in Ukraine – top diplomat

2 min read
Russia sees real chance to end war in Ukraine – top diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin believes there is a real chance today to end the civil war in Ukraine.

The first steps toward settling the conflict in eastern Ukraine are the Minsk protocol and memorandum, which should be strictly implemented, Karasin said during the eighth European Russian Forum at the European Parliament on Monday.

"We view these documents as a key framework for moving towards a peaceful resolution of the crisis and as a foundation for launching inclusive dialogue in order to look for ways to secure national reconciliation and discuss the country's political future and constitutional system," he said.

Russia wants to see Kyiv have sustainable and direct dialogue with Donetsk and Luhansk in light of the self-proclaimed republics' recent elections, Karasin said. Moscow is also prepared to make every effort to help create favorable conditions for tackling all problems that face the Ukrainian people today, he added.

"It is imperative for Ukraine to maintain its non-bloc status is order to prevent a split in Ukrainian society, and to bolster European security," the high-ranking Russian diplomat said.

"At the same time, our partners ought to realize that attempts to put pressure on Russia through unilateral sanctions, the application of which is illegitimate and has been condemned by numerous decisions by the UN Security Council, will only serve to undermine efforts to stabilize the global economy and will in no way contribute to the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis," Karasin said.

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