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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said it is too early to talk about the implementation of the so-called "Steinmeier formula" in the new law on "special status" before the ceasefire is achieved, as well as the prisoner swap and the disengagement of forces.

"The only thing that the 'Steinmeier formula' regulates is the law on the special status of Donbas. We have this law in force until December 31 of this year, and then it becomes void," the Ukrainian president said at a joint press conference with President of Latvia Egils Levits in Riga Oct 16, according to an UNIAN correspondent.

Zelensky said the "Steinmeier formula" would be implemented in the new law on "special status" if the parties during the Normandy Four summit agree on a further action plan for peaceful settlement in Donbas.

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"If everyone, including the Russian side, wants to stop this terrible tragedy, this war, if we agree on this, we will talk about the implementation of the 'Steinmeier formula' in the law on special status. We will discuss the law on the special status precisely in the body that adopts all laws – our parliament. It's too early to talk about these steps. The first steps include ceasefire and prisoner swap," he added.

The president noted the achievement of certain results in the exchange of held persons between Ukraine and the Russian Federation.

"The second step is disengagement. It was successful in the village of Stanytsia Luhanska. Now we are building a bridge there. If we are all ready for the pullback – not only our side – next steps will follow," Zelensky added.