Peacekeepers' deployment to Donbas not to be discussed with self-proclaimed republics - Ukrainian presidential administration
KYIV. Feb 20 (Interfax) - Ukraine will not establish a dialogue with the self-proclaimed Donbas republics on the deployment of a UN peacekeeping mission to eastern Ukraine, the Ukrainian presidential administration's deputy head Kostiantyn Yelisieiev said in a program aired by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
It is important to Ukraine to discuss the issue with its key partners, but the UN Security Council, whose permanent member Russia is, will make the final call, Yelisieiev said.
"Of course, we are not going to establish any dialogue or coordinate anything with the militants because everyone understands that Russia is behind those militants, and the biggest challenge is to obtain Moscow's consent with this operation," he said.
The deployment of peacekeepers will also require Ukraine's consent, Yelisieiev said.
"Ukraine is the host country, and it deems those lands to be occupied. So, in case Ukraine grants its consent, I do not think we will need approval of some gangs," Yelisieiev said.