Zelensky, Scholz, Macron call on Russia to be constructive in Normandy talks

The leaders met in Brussels, Ukrinform reports with reference to the press service of the Ukrainian head of state.

"Volodymyr Zelensky, Olaf Scholz, and Emmanuel Macron agreed to make every effort to achieve real progress in stabilizing the situation in Donbas, and called on the Russian side to resume constructive work in the Normandy format," the press service said.

It is noted that the interlocutors agreed on the need to continue active work in the Normandy format and ensure the implementation of the decisions adopted by the four parties at the Paris summit on December 9, 2019.

In particular, Zelensky stressed that this applies primarily to such urgent measures to stabilize the situation in the conflict zone as ensuring a comprehensive ceasefire, mutual release of held persons, and the opening of two new checkpoints on the line of contact.

The president of Ukraine also thanked Germany and France for their strong support for Ukraine in the face of Russian military threat, as well as for the consistent efforts made by the two countries in the Normandy Four negotiations.

Zelensky has stated that Ukraine does not succumb to any provocations at the border and neither does it have any aggressive intentions towards other parties, remaining committed to diplomatic tools for resolving the crisis.

"I expect that Russian troops and weapons will be withdrawn from Ukraine's borders as soon as possible. So far, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, they remain near our borders," the Ukrainian head of state said.

As reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky is on a working visit to Brussels on December 15-16, where he took part in the sixth Eastern Partnership Summit.

Photo: OP

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