President: We should make Russia fully implement Minsk agreements

Together with the powerful international pro-Ukrainian coalition, Ukraine should make Russia fully implement the Minsk agreements, President Petro Poroshenko has said.

He said this at a meeting with the heads of diplomatic missions of foreign states and international organizations accredited in Ukraine in Kyiv on January 16, the head of state's press service reported.

"Together with the powerful international pro-Ukrainian coalition, we should finally make Russia fully implement the Minsk agreements," Poroshenko said.

The head of state thanked Ukraine's partners in the Normandy format - Germany and France.

"I wish all the best to [German] Chancellor [Angela] Merkel, and believe that the emerging government coalition in Germany will be based on steady support of Ukraine and its territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence," Poroshenko said.

He thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for his leadership and vision of a new Europe. He also thanked Austria as the OSCE chairmanship last year and wished every success to Italy's chairmanship this year.

"We are looking forward to closely cooperating on bringing peace back on the Ukrainian land," he said.

Poroshenko commended the brave and committed activity of numerous OSCE SMM observers in the occupied Donbas. "Even the threat to their health and lives from Russian occupation forces does not stop them from fulfilling their noble mission," he said.

"There is nothing impossible when we all join our efforts and speak with one voice. Christmas release of hostages is a brilliant example," he said.

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