Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 5 September (BelTA) – Ukraine ex-president Leonid Kuchma thanked Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko for creating favorable conditions for holding the negotiations, BelTA has learned.

Leonid Kuchma said: “Normal conditions for work have been created. I think that the environment that was here during our meeting today allowed us to truly speak the same language. We were united in wishing for peace in the region. I think we will definitely bring about peace. Once again in front of everyone I would like to thank Alexander Lukashenko for Minsk hosting such a landmark event. A very serious first step has been made. Colossal work is ahead of our governments, parliaments, and the military”.

Ukraine ex-president Leonid Kuchma also stated that there were no doubts regarding the exchange of prisoners of war. “There is a mutual desire to do it,” noted the former president of Ukraine.

Leonid Kuchma added that while instructions to cease fire had been given, “it doesn’t mean that “some sneaky people will not do something”. However, one should strive for the cessation of hostilities. In his opinion, political will is what is needed most.