The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kyiv seeks peace and will continue diplomatic work in this direction following Russia’s decision to recognize the Donbas republics. RIA Novosti reports.
According to Volodymyr Zelensky, he discussed the situation with the leader of France Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, US President Joe Biden, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He has also spoken to the President of the European Council Charles Michel.
«I also plan to talk to Turkish President Recep Erdogan. What will happen next? We want peace, but we are consistent in our actions. Today, the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine sent a request to the UN Security Council member states based on the Budapest Memorandum demanding immediate consultations. I have initiated convening of the UN Security Council, holding a special meeting of the OSCE. We insist on the full work of the OSCE SMM to prevent provocations and further escalation,» the Ukrainian president said.
He added that Kyiv was committed to a diplomatic settlement of the conflict.
«We are committed to a political and diplomatic settlement and we do not succumb to any provocations. Our borders are secure, a system of territorial defense has been established and our partners support us. Under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Ukraine reserves the right to individual and collective self-defense,» the statement says.
The Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday informed German and French leaders Olaf Scholz and Emmanuel Macron that he plans to sign a decree recognizing the independence of the DPR and LPR in the near future. It is known that these decrees have already been signed.
