Prevention of escalation of conflict in Ukraine and of humanitarian disaster It is necessary to prevent the escalation of conflict in Ukraine and a humanitarian disaster

27 августа 2014

This position was supported by the presidents of the Customs Union and Ukraine, as well as high-level representatives of the European Union at the meeting in Minsk. Belarusian capital - for the first time in history - has become a platform for dialogue between the two major integration associations at such a high level. The main topics were settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, and economic cooperation with the Customs Union in the light of Kiev's signing an association agreement with the EU. The talks, as it was noted by participants, are the first step on the way in the only reasonable direction - towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.


The meeting of the leaders of the Eurasian Union with the President of Ukraine with the participation of high representatives of the European Union symbolically began with handshakes. Hundreds of journalists have noted: it is not just etiquette, it is the first strong-willed gesture to exit the crisis.


Afterwards, the talks in the unique format of five - Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and the EU - were held. The main theses of Alexander Lukashenko is the necessity to reject ambitions, to stop the spiral of mutual damage leading to a catastrophe, all for the sake of peace. Catherine Ashton talks in support of peace, sovereignty of Ukraine and good relations with its neighbors. The leader of Kazakhstan asks for an immediate and total response to the humanitarian catastrophe in Donbas and lifting of sanctions. Vladimir Putin searches for a comprehensive solution to the problems of economy and energy, direct negotiations on the terms of free trade and association. Peter Poroshenko appeals to support the peace plan, he is willing to compromise and focus on negotiations.


Afterwards, tete-a-tete Putin - Poroshenko takes place. Then came the second meeting of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan. Allies searched for common approaches to economy, energy and humanitarian mission in Donbass, the interaction with the European Commission and the OSCE.


Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation:


We talked about the need for a speedy end of the bloodshed, the need to move towards a political settlement of the whole complex of challenges that Ukraine is facing in the south-east of the country. Russia, for its part, will do everything for the peace process, if it begins. And in our opinion, this process should start as soon as possible.


President Poroshenko and I believe that we need to renew our dialogue on energy and gas issues. Frankly speaking, it is a difficult question. It is at an impasse, but it is necessary to talk about it all the same. We agreed that these consultations will resume.


Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan:


I suggested that a truce should be declared for the time of delivery of humanitarian aid. This corridor should be provided for not only by Russia, but also by other countries. A second theme is the association of Ukraine with the EU. We decided to create a working group that will deal with it in detail, and if it is necessary make some changes to the agreements between Ukraine and the EU. All wars have always ended with negotiations, so the parties should come to a compromise, but a compromise involves mutual concessions. These results are very important and we agreed to continue such meetings and step by step we will address all questions from simple to complex ones.