MOSCOW, January 20 (Sputnik) — The renewal of military action in eastern Ukraine by Kiev forces seriously undermines productivity of preparation for the next talks in the “Normandy format”, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told RIA Novosti on Tuesday.
“Renewal of military action by Kiev forces undoubtedly seriously undermines possible productivity of preparation for the ‘Normandy format’ meeting,” Peskov said.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, speaking in parliament earlier, urged an end to the ceasefire, in place in Ukraine’s east since September. He also proposed to declare martial law in the region.
Russia has been seeking to address the ongoing armed conflict in eastern Ukraine in the so-called Normandy format, which refers to negotiations on the subject by the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany. The first talks of this format were held in June 2014 alongside D-Day commemorations in Normandy, France.
The Normandy quartet is expected to convene again by the end of January in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana. The leaders are to discuss the progress on September agreements, reached in Belarus, and attempt to create a lasting peace.
