"The planned exchange of the detained by parties to the conflict in Donbas is the first stage. The Russian delegation in the contact group will seek from the parties to the conflict to fulfill their obligations for the complete release of those held in spite of any possible opposition. The contact group is working and will work to exchange all detained persons," said the Russian envoy to the TCG, Boris Gryzlov.
According to the official, the Russian delegation to the contact group in 2018 will continue "the systemic implementation of Minsk agreements".
Read alsoPutin has reasons not to start large-scale war - political scientist"To this end, it is necessary to start resolving political issues, including the key one – the introduction of a special status of Donbas according to Steinmeier's formula, as well as amnesty. In the economic sphere, we will insist on the complete lifting of the economic and transport blockade of Donbas. In the field of security, we will demand a real and stable withdrawal of forces from the contact line, adherence to the ceasefire with strict disciplinary responsibility for its violators," he said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, according to the SBU chief, there are 170 Ukrainians in militant captivity as of today.
