New consultations by the so-called Normandy group on the Ukraine crisis have yielded no results. At the meeting in Berlin were representatives of Germany, France, Ukraine and Russia.
The four countries did not agree after almost ten hours of talks, all parties said afterwards. The French and German delegations called it “difficult talks”. It has been agreed, however, to meet again shortly, probably next month.
The Russian chief negotiator said Russia and Ukraine are interpreting the 2015 treaty to end the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine. According to him, the view of the Ukrainians is unclear.
The Ukrainian representative countered that the situation can only calm down if the Russian troops on the border withdraw. However, he noted that all countries are determined to achieve a result.
Macron en Baerbock
It was the Normandy Group’s second meeting since the escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. A similar meeting was also held at the end of last month.
In 2015, the four countries managed to temporarily end the conflict in eastern Ukraine with an agreement. Therefore, there is hope that it will also work this time. French President Macron and German Minister Baerbock had expressed hope ahead of the Berlin talks.
Biden: Americans must go
Meanwhile, President Biden has called on Americans in Ukraine to leave the country immediately. The situation in Ukraine could quickly spiral out of control, he said in an interview with NBC News.
Biden is referring to a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine. In such a case it is inconceivable that American soldiers can still help with the evacuation of compatriots. “We are not dealing here with a terrorist organization, but with one of the largest military forces in the world.”
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