According to the U.S. envoy, Ukraine’s new law on reintegrating its conflict-torn regions has "regularized" the country's military operation against Russia-backed forces, but doesn't change anything on the ground.
Lack of political will on the part of Russia stands on the way to ensuring peace in Ukraine’s east, according to U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations, Kurt Volker, who spoke in Kyiv on Jan 24, ahead of a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Vladislav Surkov.
"I think the Minsk agreements contain all the elements necessary for this to be resolved. What is lacking is not the content, what's lacking is political will," he told RFE/RL.
In his closely-anticipated meeting with Surkov, set for January 26 in the Persian Gulf city of Dubai, Volker said he was planning to reiterate the U.S. position on the Ukraine conflict: that Moscow withdraw its forces and its "proxy entities," allow for a UN peacekeeping force, help create security on the ground, and then help fulfil the Minsk accords.
Volker added that he intended to discuss with Surkov the release of hostages, held both in the occupied territories of Ukraine and in Russia. The envoy said he believes continued efforts on hostage swap are a step toward strengthening trust and building a base for mutual understanding.
Read alsoVolker assures no negotiations with Russia about Ukraine without Ukraine
Read alsoRussia "wants to fool everyone" by ceasing fire in Donbas during Volker's Ukraine visit – MFA
A short trip to Donbas was canceled due to poor weather conditions, according to the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine.