The leaders discussed in detail the developments on Belarus’ borders with the EU countries. The Russian President emphasised that Poland was systematically violating its international commitments on protecting the rights of refugees and that Polish border guards were treating migrants brutally.
Both sides noted the expediency of developing practical cooperation between the EU and Minsk for a quick settlement of the crisis in accordance with the norms of humanitarian law, as discussed by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and Acting Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel during their recent contacts over the telephone.
Exchanging views on the domestic crisis in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin emphasised that Kiev continued to stubbornly refuse to fulfil the Minsk agreements and the Normandy format accords. Ukraine’s provocative attempts to fuel tensions in Donbass, in part, by using weapons banned by the Package of Measures, are a source of special concern.
Mr Draghi initiated the discussion of energy cooperation. Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia’s willingness to provide Europe with failsafe natural gas exports on a long-term basis, including by using the potential of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
The leaders praised the constructive and mutually beneficial Russian-Italian relations.