The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, considers it expedient to involve other states in the peace talks, because this can contribute to a faster end to the war in Donbass. This was reported to the Office of the President.
"This can be an extension of the Normandy format, a separate, parallel format with other countries, with very serious, powerful players. Not only because they are powerful, but because they express a desire to help Ukraine end the war. I believe that this is the right decision," the head of state said while on a working trip to the Kherson region.
Also, the president once again spoke out for the modernization and renewal of the Minsk negotiation process.
"I think that Minsk should be flexible. No one says that "Minsk" should be closed. But I believe that several points should be updated," he noted.
The head of state added that at the moment negotiations are actively taking place within the framework of the Minsk format, in particular in the working groups of the Trilateral Contact Group, and soon a common result may be reached.
"Tomorrow there will be a full meeting of the TCG in video format. I still think that all parties will come close to a decision and announce a cease-fire regime once again and seriously restart this regime - not only verbally, but also confirm it in writing," Zelensky emphasized.
As for the recent concentration of Russian troops on the eastern border of Ukraine, according to the president, Russia is not the first to resort to pressure, but Ukraine takes it calmly.
"We constantly have to be ready," he said.
And he added that the joint efforts of Ukraine, European countries and the United States in relation to Russia created opportunities for de-escalation.
"We cannot guarantee 100% that Russian troops will not return. We all support the decision to withdraw troops from the borders with Ukraine. This already indicates the intention not to continue the escalation," the president noted.
