Russia will reconsider its position on Donbas when it comes to the conclusion that occupation of Ukraine's territory is no longer in its interests, but so far Moscow continues to deny its direct involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker has said.

The Minsk agreements are very important. Firstly, they are a tool confirming Russia's adherence to the restoration of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. This is very important. The reintegration of these territories into Ukraine - and this is part of the Minsk agreements - should become the basis of a Security Council resolution. Secondly, the Minsk agreements have all elements needed for this – a ceasefire, withdrawal of heavy weapons, local elections, amnesty for those who took part in the military conflict, and a special status for eastern Ukraine, which must be secured in the Constitution of Ukraine, Volker said in an interview with Germany's international broadcaster Deutsche Welle, which was released on Wednesday, January 24.

According to him, all these provisions of the Minsk agreements can become the basis for the reintegration of this region, but the problem is that they were not implemented, mainly because Russian-led forces do not stop fighting and do not withdraw troops.

Volker suggested that Kyiv believes that the Minsk agreements failed, because they did not lead to the end of the conflict, but recalled that the Ukrainian side has a number of commitments under the Minsk agreements, such as holding elections, granting a special status to Donbas, and amnesty. And they know it, Volker added.

At the same time, he said, Russia should start implementing the Minsk agreements.

Russia needs to make a principled decision - to end the conflict and establish peace. At the moment, Russia continues to deny its direct involvement, insisting that in order to stabilize the situation in eastern Ukraine, it is necessary to deal with Russian-controlled structures in the region. While things go on like this, the situation will not be solved, Volker said.

We all hope that Russia will reconsider its position and that its leadership will come to the conclusion that occupation of Ukraine's territory is no longer in its interests, he said.

Volker said that sanctions would have a stronger impact on Russia if they remain in place and added that this would be so.

I understand that over time this will cause more harm to Russia. Russia wants the sanctions to be lifted, but the conditions for lifting them are the actual implementation of the Minsk agreements, Volker said.