Russia backs the proposal made by German Chancellor Angela Merkel to establish direct dialogue between the current Kyiv administration and representatives of the southeastern regions of Ukraine by holding a roundtable meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
“I have recently talked to the federal chancellor of Germany and Mrs. Merkel suggested holding a roundtable meeting. We back this idea, we believe it’s a good proposal and we will do everything to promote it,” he told a press conference following negotiations with his Swiss counterpart Didier Burkhalter.
Putin said such dialogue should be direct, full-fledged, and equal.
The Russian president also said Russia promoted the release of the OSCE military observers in Ukraine and thus made a contribution to the de-escalation of tensions in the country.
