Head of Sumy regional administration: Russian forces won't enter Konotop

KYIV. March 2 (Interfax-Ukraine) - The administration of the eastern Ukrainian town of Konotop in the Sumy region has conducted negotiations with Russian forces and reached agreement with them that they would not enter the town, head of the Sumy regional military administration Dmytro Zhyvytsky said.

"A conversation in Konotop between the Russians and a military administration representative authorized by me lasted for about 12 minutes. I was on speaker during the negotiations. The deal is as follows: there can be no talk about government change. They're interested in law and order. There'll be no entrance of forces. The Ukrainian flag is where it's supposed to be," Zhyvytsky said on his Telegram channel.

The parties agreed that Ukrainian forces would not shoot at the Russians, there would be no provocative actions on both sides, and they would stay where they are now, Zhyvytsky said.

In addition, the Russian forces will ensure unimpeded passage of utility service vehicles, ambulances, and vehicles carrying foodstuffs and humanitarian cargo, Zhyvytsky said.