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02
September
2021

Minsk agreements can be transformed into Budapest or similar formats – Arestovych

KYIV. Sept 2 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Minsk agreements to settle the situation in Donbas, due to the impossibility of their implementation, can be transformed into Budapest or similar formats, speaker of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) Oleksiy Arestovych said.

"In order to move the peace process in eastern Ukraine, we need the good will of the parties and a strong guarantor. Such a strong guarantor can be the U.S., Britain or the combined synergy of these countries. Thus, something like the Budapest format is involuntarily emerging, to which Germany and France, possibly the UN, could be invited in addition – this would give hope for Russia to fulfill at least some part of the agreements, for example, to release detainees or cease fire," Arestovych said in a comment to the Interfax-Ukraine agency.

Asked whether this meant an alternative to the Minsk Agreements, Arestovych replied: "Yes, of course. Its format can be changed or replaced with another one. Why do we make a good face for a bad game and insist on "Minsk", which, after seven years of negotiations is actually dead?"

This whole situation could last for another 20 years. Russia is guaranteed not to comply with "Minsk" and the decisions of the Normandy Four, at least because both begin with a basic ceasefire and withdrawal of troops. Further – not only are the agreements not binding in law, they also allow for the possibility of different interpretations. The Russians are advancing their agenda, which is very strict, which leads to the federalization of Ukraine. We have our own agenda. Attempts to agree did not lead to anything. Execution of "Minsk" in the Russian interpretation means the federalization and collapse of Ukraine. None of the presidents of Ukraine will allow this," he said.

"Therefore, Biden and his administration, perfectly understanding the real situation – Russia’s provocations in Donbas, the shelling in Avdiyivka just the day before, military maneuvers with Belarus, Afghanistan, after meeting with Zelensky said nothing about the Minsk agreements, although the day before Russia insisted [to persuade Kyiv implement the Minsk agreements]. The U.S. made it clear that this topic is closed," Arestovych said.

"Now the question is to change the Minsk format, what exactly will it turn into," the speaker of the Ukrainian delegation to the TCG said.

As reported, on September 1, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky at a meeting with U.S. President Joseph Biden offered the U.S. new formats for participation in a peaceful settlement of the situation in Donbas. They are not disclosed.