MOSCOW, July 11. /ITAR-TASS/. Russia is surprised by the Ukrainian authorities’ stake on the suppression of militia in the south-east and the West’s illusions about President Petro Poroshenko’s peace plan, Russia’s Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Andrei Kelin said.
“Unfortunately, the real civil war continues in Ukraine. Of course, one can cover the fact by euphonic words such as ‘anti-terrorist operation’, ‘measures for protecting territorial integrity’ and ‘measures for ensuring law and order’. However, the essence remains unchanged,” Kelin said on Friday.
During military actions, the Ukrainian authorities use aviation, heavy arms and prohibited weapons. “They use assault aircraft, heavy artillery, tanks and multiple launch rocket systems,” he said.
“Their methods should be thoroughly investigated. Reports on using cluster bombs, toxic substances and incendiary devices should be examined,” Kelin said.
“It is surprising that our colleagues have illusions over the so-called Poroshenko peace plan that envisions the resolution of the crisis in Donbass through an ultimatum. It can hardly serve as a basis for a ceasefire,” Kelin said.
“Arms can be laid down only if guarantees are given not to use force and if an alternative is put forth. There are no such guarantees. Consultations are indispensable,” he said.
Earlier, Russia proposed the OSCE Standing Committee to take a decision that would ensure a ceasefire and launch a national dialogue.
“Unfortunately, the first response to our proposals is not encouraging. We hear only unsubstantial accusations against Russia instead of constructive discussions,” Kelin said.
“It looks like neither the Ukrainian authorities nor their sponsors want peace or talks,” he said.
“Unfortunately, they place stakes on military suppression. We watch such events in Libya, Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan,” Kelin said.