While discussing the settlement in Ukraine, the two leaders reaffirmed the importance of strict compliance with the Minsk package of measures and the agreements reached during top-level meetings in the Normandy format. This, first and foremost, deals with the implementation of the Steinmeier formula in Ukrainian legislation, and a disengagement of forces and weapons in the agreed sections of the line of contact near Zolotoye and Petrovskoye. Kiev refuses to withdraw its units and military equipment from under various pretexts.
As far as the possibility of holding another summit of the Normandy Four is concerned, it must be thoroughly prepared and must culminate in specific results. It has been agreed that the leaders’ aides and top officials of the foreign services will continue efforts to achieve this.
The situation in northeast Syria was examined as well. The President of Russia stressed that the achievement of a long-term and sustainable stabilisation in the Syrian Arab Republic is only possible based on respect for the principles of unity and territorial integrity of the country. At the same time, the interests of each ethnic and religious group in Syria must be taken into account.
Both parties highlighted the importance of the progress made in political settlement in Syria, with due account of the convocation of the Constitution Committee’s first session.
The leaders also touched upon the situation in Libya and expressed their determination to facilitate de-escalation, render support to mediation efforts being taken under the auspices of the UN to achieve settlement of the conflict.
It was agreed to continue contacts at different levels.