DNR Prime Minister: we shall not agree to remain a part of Ukraine

Prime Minister of DNR A.Zaharchenko denied allegations of his First Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Purgin expressing readiness to remain a part of Ukraine, having noted that DNR representatives visited Minsk for prisoner exchange negotiations and were not entitled to discuss any other matters.

«We do not know where this information came from. Most likely, this is Kiev’s wishful thinking», said Zakharchenko and assured these allegations are inconsistent with the reality.

Earlier, the ITAR-TASS published a statement by Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Purgin about the negotiating position of both the republics in Minsk:

«We are talking about the common space of security of Ukraine with DNR and LNR, the post-war restoration of economic, cultural and social ties with Ukraine, and that the DNR and LNR will not attempt to take over other areas of Ukraine», said Purgin. The combined statement of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics said that if their requirements are met they «will make every effort to help and preserve peace and economic, cultural and political unity of Ukraine and that of the whole territory of Russian-Ukrainian civilization.»

Being a part of Ukraine is not considered feasible in the Republics, noted Prime Minister Zaharchenko, commenting on the appearance of such statements made by members of his government.

Zakharchenko said that the Ukrainian side handed over a package consisting of 15 proposals for a cease-fire, in particular, ban on the use of heavy weapons.

The next meeting of the contact group will be held in Minsk in 4–5 days, he said in conclusion.