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| German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin in France (Image: Mashable) |
Amid the tensions in Eastern Ukraine and ongoing anti-terrorist
operation, launched by Ukrainian military and security forces against
pro-Russian and Russian terrorists and separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk
regions, Ukrainian newly elected President Petro Poroshenko had a short meeting
with the Russian President Vladimir Putin in France, during a ceremony of a
D-Day in Normandy.
The meeting, arranged by the French President Francois Hollande and
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, was short and informal, but it was actually an
important step towards the possibility of de-escalation of the situation in
Eastern Ukraine and resolving of the deepening crisis in Ukraine and in the
relationships between the two neighboring countries, as Russia is backing the
terrorists in Donetsk and Luhansk region.
The result of this short meeting was an agreement to finally start
negotiations between Ukraine and Russia over the de-escalation of the tense
situation in Eastern Ukraine and the further relations. Petro Poroshenko
declared after the short meeting that general atmosphere of it was tense, but some
important steps were made, as the sides agreed to start the talks in the
nearest future.
Russian official representative is expected to arrive in Kyiv this
weekend in order to start the first round of the talks.
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| Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Russian Vladimir Putin in France (Image: CBC) |
Petro Poroshenko stated about the results of the short meeting with
Putin: “We’ve achieved some agreements regarding the following issues: Russian
representative will arrive in Ukraine in order to discuss the first steps of
the peaceful de-escalation of the conflict and the plan with the steps of
Russian and Ukrainian sides. In addition to that, we expect that Russian President
will cancel the decision of Federation Council about use of Russian military
forces on the territory of Ukraine”. The joint decisions and steps of the two
sides in order to restore an order on the border between the countries and to
stop the violence and terrorist activities will be also taken.
Petro Poroshenko stated that despite the general tension between the two
countries the first steps for the peaceful dialogue were made, and they could
bring good results. It is also expected that Russian officials will recognize
the results of Ukrainian Presidential elections as well.
Press-service of Russian President Vladimir Putin didn’t give many
comments regarding the latest meeting between the two Presidents, but it was
mentioned that Putin welcomed the initial plan of Mr.Poroshenko to de-escalate
the situation in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, a massive anti-terrorist operation is ongoing in Donetsk and
Luhansk regions of Eastern Ukraine, as terrorists still continue to control
several positions in the Eastern Ukrainian cities. The battles between
Ukrainian army and security forces and forces of the so called Donetsk and
Luhansk People’s Republics, backed by Russia, continue in the region. Several
parts of the restive region are already under control of Ukrainian forces, as
Ukrainian Armed Forces, National Guard and security forces have destroyed
nearly 500 terrorists and many of their checkpoints and training bases at the
moment.
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| Ukrainian soldiers launching an anti-terrorist operation in Eastern Ukraine (Image: BBC) |
The efficiency of the anti-terrorist operation increased significantly
after the announcement of the results of the early Presidential elections in
Ukraine. After the new Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko will be officially
sworn at office as Ukrainian fifth President on Saturday, 7 June, the
efficiency of the operation is expected o increase more, as the President has
more powers than an acting President.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in his turn has stated in his
official inauguration speech on Saturday, that Ukrainian authorities will make everything
possible in order to peacefully resolve the situation in Eastern Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials will hold negotiations with the peaceful representatives
and residents of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Early local elections will be
held in the region in the nearest future. Thus, despite the tense situation in
Eastern Ukraine, situation could improve as Ukraine has an officially elected
and sworn President, and the dialogue with the neighboring Russia is expected
to start.
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