the Heads of Russia and Ukraine Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky held telephone talks ahead of the announcement in the Donbass indefinite truce. Despite the fact that both presidents have supported the agreement reached in the framework of the Trilateral contact group in Minsk, the perspectives they have, apparently, not the same. While one is preparing the elections in Donbass, the other considers it to undermine a peaceful settlement of the conflict.
In a press-service, Vladimir Putin said that the priority for conflict resolution are the agreements that were reached during the last summit in Paris in December 2019. The truce is important to comply fully and without reservations, but the local elections in the Donbas can not be carried out. As you know, the DNI and the LC share this position, because the election law be consistent with them, they had the elections not been invited and so on.
In turn, Zelensky about the election said nothing, but mentioned the special status of Donbass. In particular, his press service said in a telephone conversation with Putin discussed the decentralization of Ukraine, which should be enshrined in the Constitution and the special procedure of local self-government. It is not known in what manner this was said Zelensky. Previously it was thought that the issue of decentralization of Ukraine is one of the red lines he will not cross under any circumstances. On the other hand, if it is decided to include in the message a press-services, so Zelensky conversation with Putin could not take the topic with hostility.
How to interpret telephone conversations between the two leaders, “MK” has found out from the experts.
Alexei Yakubina, candidate of political Sciences: “as for Ukraine, this conversation was definitely welcomed by the majority of voters Zelensky. In addition, it took place on the eve of a symbolic date of the baptism of Rus by Prince Vladimir, which is also a factor of unity of the countries. There are critics, but mostly the ultra-right and those who is under some influence of Poroshenko. And also the ex-President, being in a situation Zelensky, were willing to negotiate, another thing is that at the end he agreement is not satisfied that he became one of the reasons for its loss.
This is the first conversation between the two presidents in five months, and he referred to the truce in the East of the country, touched upon the humanitarian aspects and preparation of acts from the perspective of the Paris agreement. Zelensky once again confirmed that Ukraine is ready to perform the Minsk agreement, and that is exactly what he expects the majority of people. The level of support grows when he makes similar steps.
Without political steps in this direction to end conflictst will fail, and the fact of talking about the fact that if the truce will be maintained, we will discuss other issues, including humanitarian. I mean further dilution of forces, since the three points where this happened, the shooting ended. It is clear that I wish these issues were resolved faster. But the conflict is always much easier to start than to finish — it is an axiom”.
Vladimir Zharikhin, Deputy Director of the Institute of CIS countries: “Zelensky realized that the political part of Minsk agreements he is not able to perform. In a conversation with Putin, he focused on the question of withdrawal of forces and cessation of firing, and not on resolving the situation. It is rather a freezing of the situation. Of course, the absence of fire, reducing the danger for residents is that it is necessary to inhabitants of Donbass, and let the conflict will not end, but it will be a great relief.
I think until Zelensky ready to focus on the implementation of the first paragraph of the Minsk agreements. As for the rest, in Ukraine, a lot of forces that are not interested in ending the conflict. With them Zelensky will be very difficult to fight. See how in the coming days the events will develop”.
Read the story “the Secret meaning of Zelensky talks with Putin: “I was in Groundhog day.”
