U.S. at OSCE: Russia should disband so-called 'people's republics' in Donbas

Charge d'Affaires, a.i. Harry Kamian at the U.S. Mission to the OSCE said this at a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on Thursday, June 6, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"Last week at the Permanent Council, Special Monitoring Mission's (SMM) Chief Monitor Ertugrul Apakan laid out a series of measures to deescalate the conflict and improve the humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine. Ambassador Apakan called for a sustainable ceasefire, as outlined in the Minsk agreements, which would allow authorities to begin to address the humanitarian suffering throughout the region and rebuild trust. Only after Russia takes this step, withdraws its heavy weapons and troops, dismantles the illegal armed groups, and disbands the so-called 'people's republics,' will eastern Ukraine be able to move toward peace and stability," he said.

The U.S. diplomat stressed that "only after Russia creates conditions to allow peace and stability, will Ukraine be able to implement the remaining political aspects of the Minsk agreements."

Kamian said that the conflict in Donbas, in its sixth year, had become a humanitarian tragedy.

"Russia's invasion, occupation, and ongoing military operations in Ukraine represent a failed strategy to stifle Ukraine's international ambitions and its right to self-determination. Russia refuses to fulfill its Minsk commitments and instead attempts to blame Ukraine and the West for the conflict Russia created," he said.

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