Merkel supports Ukraine's refusal to hold direct talks with ‘L/DPR’ representatives

"Problems with the implementation of the Minsk Agreements are structural in nature because Russia is a party to this conflict, so it is right that Ukraine refuses to hold direct talks with representatives of separatists. We are constantly revolving around this very problem," German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at a briefing with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

She added that although the Minsk Agreements had not yet resolved the situation in eastern Ukraine, they did provide a "certain ceasefire" to some extent.

"But we need to work on this constantly, including during the transition to other players in politics. It is not easy, and it will be difficult with the new government [of Germany] but I support this [Normandy] format because it can be used as a platform for negotiations," said the Federal Chancellor.

She informed that she had talked to the President of Ukraine about the Normandy format. According to Merkel, she would like to hold another summit at the highest political level and invite the presidents of Russia, France, and Ukraine.

"If we can develop a good agenda, then I think it's possible. President Zelensky is ready to support us," Merkel said.

As reported, German Chancellor Angela Merkel makes a visit to Ukraine on August 22.

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