“The United States can play a supporting role”: Nuland says talks on Donbas are at an impasse

The United States of America (USA) can play a supporting role in resolving the conflict in Donbas because the negotiation process has reached a stalemate.

RBC-Ukraine reported this with reference to the statement of US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland at the Kyiv forum.

According to her, the United States has long supported the Minsk agreements, although many points are not being implemented. But the main demands remain to withdraw foreign troops from Ukraine and to hold free independent elections.

"Negotiations have reached a stalemate, and both sides are doing everything possible to delay the discussion of large elements. Does Putin want to return Donbas? We do not know, but we believe in it and think that the United States can play a supporting role as we did it before," Nuland said.

She clarified that it was a format of negotiations that went hand in hand with the Normandy one.

"We do not see any alternative (to the Minsk agreements – ed.). We need to start doing something, not just talking about the Minsk agreements. This requires intensive cooperation, political will, and public support," Nuland added.

She also called on Russia and Ukraine to agree on a Christmas truce.

"We see that the Christmas holidays are approaching. We call on both Moscow and Kyiv to cooperate and take action, especially on the ceasefire in the context of the Christmas holidays. This would be a good start," she said.