Closure of Ukrainian-Russian border is key condition of Minsk agreements – Yatseniuk

Ukraine's Prime Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk reiterated that the closure of the Ukrainian-Russian border is a key condition of the Minsk agreements and it is also important to regain control over Donetsk and Luhansk.

According to the Ukrainian government website, Yatseniuk said in an interview with the CNN that Russia has to "withdraw its troops, heavy weapons, artillery and disarm all illegal groups."

"However, the main issue is whether we can regain control over the Ukrainian-Russian border […] Closing the Ukrainian-Russian border is a key condition," Yatseniuk said.

Yatseniuk believes that Russia "will drag out this process."

"However, our purpose is to regain control over Donetsk and Luhansk, restore the Ukrainian administration in all regions, including those that are under temporary control of the terrorists, who are led by Russia," he said.

Yatseniuk also said the Ukrainian government "will never speak with terrorists."

"My government will not make any concessions that sabotage the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine. It is our common position with President Poroshenko," Yatseniuk said.