Normandy format advisors may meet this week – German govt spokesperson

A meeting in the Normandy format at the level of political advisors may take place this week, according to German government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann.

She said this at a briefing on Monday, February 7, answering a question from an Ukrinform correspondent.

"Preparations for the meeting in the Normandy format at the level of political advisers are still underway. There are signs that it could take place this week," Hoffmann said.

She also noted that Germany is in close contact with Ukraine on the implementation of the Minsk agreements.

Hoffmann strongly rejected accusations by a Russian propaganda media member about alleged plans by Ukrainian troops to invade the temporarily occupied areas in eastern Ukraine in the near future. "It is clear that at the moment the threat comes from Russia -- in particular due to the build-up of troops on the Russian-Ukrainian border -- not from Ukraine," she said, adding that "invading your own territory does not make sense."

For his part, German Foreign Ministry spokesman Christopher Burger confirmed that Berlin was trying to make progress in the Normandy format towards the implementation of the Minsk agreements.

He recalled that German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock will pay a visit to Ukraine on February 7 and 8. In particular, she will visit the line of contact in eastern Ukraine and assess the situation there, especially the humanitarian one.

"The current situation is a good reason for us to discuss the threat. […] We must be prepared for any scenario," the diplomat said.

When asked about possible sanctions against Russia, Hoffmann said that severe sanctions would be imposed only in the event of Russian aggression. For EU and NATO partners, aggression means further violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Sanctions are closely coordinated among partners, but all diplomatic efforts are aimed at avoiding such a scenario.

At a meeting of political advisers to the leaders of the Normandy format countries in Paris on January 26, all parties agreed to hold the next meeting in two weeks. According to Ukrinform, this meeting is planned for February 10. But a few days ago, Ukrainian negotiator Andriy Yermak tested positive for COVID-19.

op