All news

Luhansk expects constructive Contact Group talks in Minsk

"Ukraine should consider us a party with whom it is necessary to talk and not to dictate its terms,” chairman of the People’s Council Alexey Karyakin said

LUHANSK, December 17. /TASS/. The self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic expects constructive talks in Minsk and asks Ukraine not to dictate its terms, chairman of the People’s Council Alexey Karyakin said on Wednesday.

“We’re ready to meet and discuss all issues with the Ukrainian side. Now we’re trying to get in touch with them and hold a dialogue. Ukraine should consider us a party with whom it is necessary to talk and not to dictate its terms,” Karyakin said.

At present, the parties are coordinating the date of the Contact Group meeting and preparing a list of issues due to be discussed, he said.

First of all, Luhansk insists Ukraine disengage troops from the territory of the republic, Karyakin said.

Donetsk ready for any format of Minsk talks

The self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic is ready for any format of the talks in Minsk, the People’s Council chairman, Denis Pushilin, said on Wednesday.

“We’re ready for any format: meeting, talks, Skype conference. We’re ready for any date. If it is necessary to meet today, we’ll meet today. If tomorrow, we’re ready to meet tomorrow,” Pushilin said.

“But the conditions should remain unchanged: the number of participants, as well as Kiev’s clear position on lifting the economic blockade of Donbas and the law on the Donbas status, will remain the same,” he said.

“Ukraine won’t succeed in slipping over or postponing these issues,” Pushilin said. “They should be discussed and solutions should be found,” he added.