Ukraine's envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), MP with the Servant of the People parliamentary faction Andriy Kostin says the Ukrainian side has agreed to integrate the so-called "Steinmeier formula" into the law on the special status of Donbas.
"We have agreed to integrate the 'Steinmeier formula' into the law on the special procedure for local self-government. Next: negotiations are underway on the clauses that should be amended so that this law, along with the integrated 'Steinmeier formula,' could work from a legal perspective. This is what we are talking about now," MP said at the Pravo Na Vladu ("Right to Power") TV panel show on 1+1 Channel on September 17.
Read alsoFM Kuleba reminds Russia of its direct role in Donbas roleWhat's "Steinmeier formula"
- The "Steinmeier formula" dates back to 2015 and is named after Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the then foreign minister of Germany, who is now its president.
- In 2016, he proposed a simplified version of a peace plan for eastern Ukraine through holding local elections in Russia-occupied districts. If OSCE observers recognize the voting process free and fair, a special self-governing status for these territories will be initiated, which will enable Ukraine to regain control of its eastern border with Russia.
- The approval of such peace plan has received mixed reactions in Ukraine as many Ukrainians believe agreeing to such conditions would mean surrendering to Russia.
