Sergey Lavrov: Self-defense forces in Donetsk and Lugansk are ready to withdraw their heavy vehicles, now the matter depends on Kyiv

Russia has received guarantees from self-defense forces in Donetsk and Lugansk regions that they will take their heavy vehicles to the line suggested by Kyiv, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists, while presenting the work of his ministry in 2014.

“We have already received guarantees from the self-defense forces that they will take their heavy vehicles to the line suggested by Kyiv. Now the matter depends on the Ukrainian authorities,” Lavrov said.

“For the moment, we have just an oral answer of the Ukrainian president to president Putin’s proposal. It seems that President Poroshenko is ready to discuss this matter. He has mentioned certain technical problems, which can be solved,” Lavrov said.

The Russian foreign minister said that Russia is strongly concerned over the outburst of violence in the southeast of Ukraine. He urged the Ukrainian authorities to stop their air and land attacks on Donetsk and other local settlements.

“Russia is ready to use any formats in order to settle the conflict in Ukraine,” Lavrov said.

He stressed the importance of direct contacts between Kyiv and Donetsk and Lugansk. “We will support any format that will be acceptable to both sides,” the Russian foreign minister said.

He said that during the forthcoming meeting of the Normandy quartet, Russia would demand immediate ceasefire.