Putin pointed to the crucial role of Kiev in a peaceful settlement in the Donbas – RBC

Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a press conference following a bilateral meeting in the Kremlin

Photo: TASS

The fact that the success of the peace settlement in the Donbas depends primarily on Kiev, Putin said at a press conference after talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The president promised that Moscow would “provide all of our influence on the leadership of Donetsk and Lugansk,” to the peace process was “the right pace and with the necessary quality.”

Putin also urged the Ukrainian authorities to end the economic blockade of Donbass. According to him, in order to provide a “lasting solution” to the Ukraine needs a “direct dialogue between Kiev, between the Donetsk and Lugansk.” The President noted that the claim of compliance Minsk agreements have both sides of the conflict in Ukraine, and to monitor their implementation need to use OSCE instruments.

Commenting on his yesterday’s proposal to establish a new security system in the non-bloc basis, Putin urged Western countries “not to live phobias of the past and look to the future.” The President also recalled the Molotov – Ribbentrop Pact, noting that the conclusion of the pact was preceded by unsuccessful attempts to confront the Soviet Union against fascism in Europe.

In turn, Merkel pointed out that the damage to the relationship between Germany and Russia has caused “the annexation of the Crimea, which violates international law. ” Merkel explained the purpose of his visit to Moscow – in the words of Chancellor, she “wanted to show that we are working with Russia, not against it.” The Chancellor admitted that Germany and Russia have different views on the Ukrainian crisis, but agree that the diplomatic solution is no alternative. Merkel also called on the leadership of the DNI and LC allow humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian Donbass. The Chancellor pointed out that the implementation of the agreements Minsk it comes to “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine were restored».

The talks between Merkel and Putin took place during the visit of German Chancellor to Moscow, which is confined to activities dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War. Merkel, like almost all Western leaders refused to attend in Moscow on May 9 military parade.