Moscow thinks Kerry could raise topic of U.S. joining Normandy format at talks with Russians
MOSCOW. May 11 (Interfax) - Moscow has described as a positive sign the forthcoming talks between the United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, and Russian leaders; it is possible that the U.S. will raise the subject of it joining the Normandy format on Ukraine, while Russia will call on Washington to drop its plans to supply military aid to Kyiv.
"Most likely, the state secretary will raise the topic of the U.S. joining the Normandy format, but we think now is not the time to wash out the established formats. It is important that the U.S. start playing a more constructive role in the Ukrainian settlement process and force Kyiv to enter direct dialogue with the DPR (Donetsk People's Republic) and LPR (Luhansk People's Republic). We'll see what the state secretary has to offer in this context," an informed source told Interfax on Monday.
"For us, it is a matter of principle, and it will be put to the state secretary: the U.S. should not supply military aid the Kyiv authorities," the source said.