Kerry in Kyiv: There will be no US military intervention, Donbass may receive special rights
Kyiv, February 05 (PolitNavigator, Mikhail Ryabov) – There will be no US military intervention in the conflict in Donbass, “the people of Donetsk and Lugansk” can receive special rights. Secretary of State John Kerry stated this at a joint press conference with Petro Poroshenko in Kyiv.
He never mentioned the possibility of supplying Ukraine with any weapons, as was repeatedly asked in Kyiv. Instead, Kerry repeatedly spoke about the need for a political solution to the conflict.
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“Nobody wants to enter into conflict with the Russian Federation... There is a diplomatic solution that is before us... We want a diplomatic solution to the issue,” said the Secretary of State.
According to him, the United States assesses the current situation as “Russian aggression”, since Moscow is providing assistance to the “so-called separatists” - weapons, ammunition, soldiers.
“Our choice is diplomatic... Russia must immediately stop military support for the separatists and sit down at the negotiating table to achieve an urgent political solution... First of all, it is necessary to commit to a real ceasefire, not just on paper... We need to withdraw heavy weapons from the ceasefire zone fire - so that it does not pose a threat to civilians... it is also necessary to withdraw troops... It is necessary to close the borders so that tanks and weapons do not enter the territory of Ukraine... The sovereignty of Ukraine will be restored, which must be respected,” said the American guest.
At the same time, Kerry spoke about the possibility of taking into account Russia’s opinion, which Moscow “expressed regarding the interests of the people of Donetsk and Lugansk, but not at the expense of increasing violence.”
The Secretary of State noted that “President Poroshenko supports the law on the special status” of Donetsk and Lugansk.
“He took it upon himself to hold new free elections in the Donbass,” Kerry continued, speaking of Poroshenko.
It should be noted here that previously the Ukrainian authorities interpreted the special status of Donetsk and Lugansk only as a temporary measure that would allow Kyiv to accumulate forces and return Donbass under its full control by military means.
One way or another, but, according to Kerry, ending the current support for the DPR and LPR is “the only way to avoid the international isolation of Russia.”
“Your people work very bravely and tirelessly to ensure a sovereign democratic future,” Poroshenko also complimented Kerry.
It is interesting that the Ukrainian president made his statement in English, thanking the United States and other Western countries several times, as well as the “reliable partner of the IMF” for supporting Ukraine.
Neither Kerry nor Poroshenko answered journalists' questions, leaving the hall after the announcement of their statements.
English version :: Read in English Kerry in Kyiv: There will be no US military intervention, Donbass may receive special rights