Putin says positive changes in Donbas already noticeable

The next meeting in the Normandy format is possible if there are positive changes in Donbas, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said.

He said this during an end-of-year press conference in Moscow on Thursday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"As for the upcoming meeting [in the Normandy format], let's suppose, in April, it will be relevant if there are any positive changes," he said.

According to Putin, these positive changes are already noticeable.

"Firstly, the law on a special status [for Donbas] has been extended. Secondly, troops have been disengaged at several key points," he said.

He added that therefore, it would be expedient to conduct further negotiations in the Normandy format.

Earlier it was reported that a meeting of the leaders of the Normandy Four countries (Russia, Germany, France, Ukraine), which is scheduled in four months, may take place in Berlin.

op