Lavrov explained the danger of recognition of independence of DNR and LNR – RBC

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

Photo: Valery Sharifulin / TASS

If Moscow recognizes the independence of the breakaway republics of Donbass, the West will get a reason to stop pressure on Kiev to implement the Minsk agreements. As Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov explained the danger of recognition

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the recognition of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republic (DNR and LNR) in the east of Ukraine is currently “counterproductive.” He said this during intervyu site “Komsomolskaya Pravda»

«Recognition DNR and LNR counterproductive, it will give an excuse to the West to stop pressure on Kiev to implement the” Minsk-2 “-. The minister said (quoted by TASS ).

Lavrov also said that Russia does not leave the south-east of Ukraine, and actively supports the region. “We are the south-east of Ukraine not throw, we are about it, do not forget, and we very strongly support”, – said the minister

The Foreign Minister also said that Western countries on the sidelines have a strong pressure on Kiev.. “For the audience they are trying not to talk, but when communicating with Kiev without witnesses, rather rigidly require that what has been achieved in the negotiations. The educational purposes is very important to ensure that the arrangements were made, “- said Lavrov

In the April 2015 issue of recognizing the independence of DNR and LNR was given to President Vladimir Putin in the program” Vesti on Saturday “on TV”. Russia 1″. “Now I would not want this bill to say, because, whatever I said, anything can be counter-productive”, – he said then the president and added that pursuing a policy in relation to the NPT and LC, the Russian side will be “look at the realities of that arise in life. »

The West has consistently linked the issue of easing sanctions with the implementation of the Minsk agreements. One of the key points of their implementation are local elections in LC and the DNI, which were moved to July 2016. According to the Minsk Agreement elections should be held according to the Ukrainian legislation, but the parties can not agree on a number of issues. Chief among them – the voting of refugees from Donbas, residing in the territory of Ukraine, ensuring the safety and access of Ukrainian politicians in the country.