Russia wants to align interests in Minsk talks, Reznikov believes

"If the process continues, you can't call these [negotiations] a deadlock, because a deadlock means that the parties have broken apart and do not want to sit at the negotiating table ever again. That's why I wouldn't evaluate it that way… Today I'm sure that we’ve got closer, it's just hard to talk about it now," commented Reznikov on the progress of negotiations in an interview with Dom Ukrainian TV channel during his trip to the Donbas region.

In his opinion, Russia also desires to bring positions closer.

"I am more optimistic about these things. Yes, it's difficult, but there is definitely a different rhetoric, there is no hostility and the representatives of the Russian Federation have demonstrated a desire to find an opportunity to align our positions. And this is important," Reznikov said.

The official also expressed hopes to rotate Russia's representatives in the Trilateral Contact Group for the peaceful settlement of the situation in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

"I believe that there will be rotation and replacement of representatives from that side, and sooner or later it will give us an opportunity to reach an agreement. Because today a number of representatives, who have been there for six years, are unable to say 'yes'," the minister said.

At the same time, Reznikov considers that compromises in negotiations with Russia are possible.

"Compromises can be definitely made on a number of positions: mutual release of detainees, ceasefire and cooperation, mine action and the construction of new entry-exit checkpoints," he said.

As reported, the next round of consultations within the Trilateral Contact Group is scheduled for July 8.

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