Russia urges Ukraine to extend Donbas special status law
The Russian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) has urged Kyiv to enter into direct negotiations with the so-called Luhansk and Donetsk Peoples Republics about enshrining the special status of the Donbas in Ukraine’s Constitution, said Russian representative to the TCG Boris Gryzlov, as cited by Interfax-Ukraine.
The Russians are concerned that the Ukrainian law on the special status of the Donbas expires on December 31.
“The Russian delegation urged Kyiv to ensure that this law is extended, and also to start dialog with representatives of the Donbas in a political subgroup on the amendments to this law that are necessary for implementing the Steinmeier Formula. And in future, to coordinate these amendments within the Contact Group,” said Gryzlov.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said recently that before a Normandy Format summit can take place, agreement must be reached on a number of issues. He mentioned the special status of the Donbas and amnesty for separatists.