Also, Russia is no longer mentioned among the countries – guarantors of security.
Russia, despite all the provocations, will continue talks with the Ukrainian side, said on Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. This was reported by Interfax-Ukraine.
“Despite all the provocations, the Russian delegation will continue the negotiation process, promoting our draft agreement, which clearly and fully sets out all our initial key positions and requirements, “Lavrov told reporters on Thursday.
He said Ukraine had presented a new draft agreement and Russia saw it as a departure from the agreements reached. in Istanbul.
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“ Ukraine presented to the negotiating the group has its own draft agreement, which departs from the most important provisions , recorded at the meeting in Istanbul on March 29, and recorded in a document signed by the head of the Ukrainian delegation of Arahamiya, “- said Lavrov.
According to the Russian Foreign Minister, “in the Istanbul document, Ukrainians clearly stated that future security guarantees for Ukraine do not apply to Crimea and Sevastopol.” “Yesterday's draft lacks this clear statement. Instead, they offer vague wording about some” effective control “, and as of February 23,” Lavrov said.
In addition, he said, Ukraine's new proposals provide for the possibility of conducting military exercises on its territory with the participation of foreign contingents with the consent of most countries that guarantee its security, Russia is not mentioned in this context .
“The document signed by Arahamia explicitly states that in the context of Ukraine's neutral, non-aligned, non-nuclear status, any military exercises involving foreign contingents take place only with the consent of all guarantor states, in particular Russia, “Lavrov said.
According to the Russian Foreign Minister, “in the draft agreement received yesterday, this unequivocal provision has also been replaced.”
strong> most guarantor states without any mention of Russia “, – said Lavrov.
He also said that Ukraine offers to discuss the issue of Crimea and Donbass at the meeting of the presidents of the two countries.
“There is an idea that the issue of Crimea and Donbass should be brought to the meeting of the presidents of Russia and Ukraine. we all remember how President Zelensky repeatedly stated that such a meeting is possible only after the cessation of hostilities, “said the Russian Foreign Minister.
According to the Minister,” Probably, at the next stage the Ukrainian side will ask to withdraw troops, (will) accumulate more and more new preconditions “.
” This plan is clear, “It is unacceptable,” Lavrov said
