Moscow thinks Kerry could raise topic of U.S. joining Normandy format at talks with Russians
Moscow has described as a positive sign the forthcoming talks between the United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, and Russian leaders; it is possible that the U.S. will raise the subject of it joining the Normandy format on Ukraine, while Russia will call on Washington to drop its plans to supply military aid to Kyiv.
"Most likely, the state secretary will raise the topic of the U.S. joining the Normandy format, but we think now is not the time to wash out the established formats. It is important that the U.S. start playing a more constructive role in the Ukrainian settlement process and force Kyiv to enter direct dialogue with the DPR (Donetsk People's Republic) and LPR (Luhansk People's Republic). We'll see what the state secretary has to offer in this context," an informed source told Interfax on Monday.
"For us, it is a matter of principle, and it will be put to the state secretary: the U.S. should not supply military aid the Kyiv authorities," the source said.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Kerry spoke by telephone the day earlier and agreed to meet in person in the very near future.
"We will be ready to discuss all international problems such as Syria, Iran and Yemen. As regards our bilateral agenda, it has been very much neglected. The Americans have ruined almost everything. It will take decades to restore the bilateral relations," the source said.
Asked whether one should be expecting Kerry to deliver a message from President Barack Obama to the Russian leaders, the source said: "There is no such information at the moment but it should never be ruled out."
