Ukraine ready for new stage of disengagement of troops and demining – Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this on the occasion of the anniversary of the Normandy Four summit in Paris, the press service of the President's Office reported on December 9.

In particular, he noted that the most tangible results in promoting peace in Donbas can be achieved through direct negotiations between the leaders of the Normandy format member states.

"The path to peace is always thorny. But this is the path that both parties must follow. Ukraine's activity in the negotiation process has shown the whole world and, most importantly, the people of Donbas that we are interested in peace, and Russia is blocking the implementation of agreements," the President said.

Zelensky also said that Ukraine is ready for a new stage of the disengagement of troops and the demining of new areas, as well as for the next round of a mutual release of detainees. He noticed that despite the difficulties, for the first time during the war, it was possible to establish a real ceasefire, which has been in effect since July 27, 2020. Thanks to this, dozens of lives of Ukrainian military and civilians were saved.

In addition, the Ukrainian authorities made it easier for high school graduates from the temporarily occupied territories to enroll in universities and built new modern checkpoints with administrative service centers on the contact line. According to the head of state, by this Ukraine demonstrates to the civilians of Donbas on both sides of the contact line that peace can be achieved.

"Ukraine is able to win the battle for the emotions of residents of the temporarily occupied territory. We are doing very specific things that clearly demonstrate to all residents of Donetsk and Luhansk who cross the demarcation line that Ukraine is much better than unrecognized, non-functional, self-proclaimed structures,” Zelensky said.

According to him, partners in the Normandy format note Ukraine's progress towards peace.

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