Harmash on negotiations in TCG: Russia is trying to impose subjectivity of CADLO on us

Russia is strategically not interested in the efficient operation of the Normandy format, because it does not include representatives of the self-proclaimed "republics". This was stated by representative of certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts (CADLO) as part of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) Serhiy Harmash in an interview with the Dom TV channel.

"There is absolutely no strategic interest of Russia in the efficient operation of the Normandy format. Because there is no CADLO in the Normandy format. Even at today's TCG meeting, we see a new trend - Russia is still trying to impose the subjectivity of CADLO on us", - he reported.

Harmash told that the negotiators discussed the possibility of concluding a truce and resumption of the ceasefire in the Donbas at today's meeting for eight hours. The Ukrainian side did not put forward any conditions for this.

"However, some conditions are being constantly put from by the representatives of Russia and CADLO, the main of which is subjectivization. That is, so that we call CADLO a party to the conflict", - he explained.

The representative of CADLO in the Ukrainian delegation stressed that "when people want peace, they do not set conditions".

"Therefore, unfortunately, I do not see any special changes in Russia's position on the settlement of conflict in the Donbas. And I do not think that they are possible on the part of Ukraine today. Because we are only issued ultimatums", - he noted.

The opponents often demonstrate outright rudeness on the TCG negotiating platform. The Ukrainian side adheres to diplomatic flair in such situations.

"Although today, by the way, everyone from that side behaved quite delicately at the TCG. It seems like they think that someone is watching them, probably", - Harmash added.

"Therefore, we do everything we can. Moreover, often stepping on our pride, but for the sake of preserving national interests, for the sake of peace. And the rest, as our president once said, the ball is on Moscow’s side. That is, the key for peace is, in fact, in the Kremlin after all", - he summed up.

As OstroV reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky hoped that after conversation between the leaders of the USA and Russia at the TCG, three important issues for the country would be resolved: return of ceasefire; exchange of prisoners; opening of checkpoints.