OSCE Chairperson-in-Office believes that Donbas will not turn into frozen conflict

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ann Linde believes that the armed conflict in Donbas will not turn into a frozen one and advises Ukraine to avoid such definitions.

She said this in an interview with the Yevropeiska Pravda online media outlet during her visit to Kyiv.

When asked whether Donbas could turn into a frozen conflict, Linde replied: "No, it cannot. I am categorically opposed to calling the conflict in Donbas or in Crimea frozen, because that would mean that you have surrendered and do not believe that it can be resolved. I consider that Donbas is definitely not frozen. After all, the Trilateral Contact Group and the Normandy format are still working trying to find a solution to the conflict."

Linde emphasized that her priority as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office is to try to resolve the conflict, or at least to take a step towards its settlement without departing from the principle of comprehensive security.

"And, of course, it is mandatory to adhere to the principle of integrity and unity of Ukraine, which includes the Ukrainian Crimea and Sevastopol. We will build on the achievements of the previous OSCE Chair, using both the Normandy format and the Trilateral Contact Group," she said.

As reported, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ann Linde is on a two-day working visit to Ukraine.

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