Putin: A lot has changed in Donetsk's, Luhansk's positions, they are ready to negotiate Minsk agreements
NOVO-OGARYOVO, Moscow region. June 16 (Interfax) - Russia is using its influence on the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics (DPR and LPR), and a lot has lately changed in their positions, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
"If we had been discontented with something in the Minsk agreements, we would have never put our signature on them. We see these agreements as fair and balanced and are exerting possible pressure on one of the parties to the conflict - the unrecognized Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics," Putin said when asked by Finnish journalists why Russia is not fully using its influence to make the parties comply with the Minsk agreements at a press conference following negotiations with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto on Tuesday.
"You can't fail to notice that a lot has changed in their [Donetsk's and Luhansk's] positions: they are prepared and want to hold negotiations on all provisions of the Minsk agreements," Putin said addressing the journalists.