The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (OSCE SMM) is ready, within the framework of its mandate, for a dialogue with everybody, including with the members of the so-called "LPR," OSCE SMM Principal Deputy Chief Monitor Alexander Hug has said.

He said this at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on Monday. When asked whether he is ready to meet with the new leadership of the "LPR," Hug said that the OSCE's SMM was always ready for dialogue and expected everyone to join this dialogue. He said that the OSCE SMM had teams in Donetsk and Luhansk and they were ready to conduct this dialogue. He added that he could also conduct this dialogue if he visits Donetsk or Luhansk this year.

Hug noted that talks were the only way to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine.