President’s Office reacts to Merkel–Macron–Putin conversation about situation in Donbas

Ukraine continues negotiations with all Normandy format countries. No decisions on Ukraine can be and will be made without Ukraine's participation.

"We clearly adhere to the position that no decisions on Ukraine can be made without Ukraine. Leaders of other countries can mention and express their positions on the situation in a particular region or in a particular country. Just like the leaders of France, Germany and Russia discussed a broad agenda, including the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, the situation in the Middle East, the EU-Russia relations. Among other things, they mentioned the situation in Donbas," President’s Spokesperson Yulia Mendel said in a comment to Ukrinform.

According to her, the President’s Office believes that it would be strange if the war in eastern Ukraine fell out of the international agenda, especially in the negotiations involving the Russian side.

"Nevertheless, Ukraine continues negotiations with all Normandy format countries at various levels and no decisions on Ukraine can be and will be made without Ukraine's participation," Mendel said.

Kyiv has warm relations with both Berlin and Paris, she added.

In addition, the President's Spokesperson noted that the European Union proved to be a reliable partner for Ukraine and strongly supported sanctions against Russia over the invasion of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and the occupation of Crimea.

"This position is very valuable for Ukraine. We will continue to use all opportunities and platforms to promote peace, which is our undeniable value," Mendel assured.

On Tuesday, President of France Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President of Russia Vladimir Putin held a conversation via a video conference, one of the topics of which was the situation in eastern Ukraine. The leaders of France and Germany, in particular, stressed that Russia needed to commit itself to ensuring the ceasefire in Donetsk and Luhansk and helping overcome the crisis in compliance with the Minsk Agreements.

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