Special envoy of the US State Department for Ukraine Kurt Volker said that representatives of terrorist groups "DPR" and "LPR" should have no role in the negotiation process to resolve the situation in the east of Ukraine.
"I think on this issue is solved: Minsk agreement are among Russia, Ukraine and the OSCE. The idea is to restore Ukraine's control over these territories, and hold elections there. Therefore, the so-called "republics" do not belong here," Volker said in an interview with Hromadske.
He also expressed hope that Russia, which controls "DPR" and "LPR" leaders "will make strategic changes in its behaviour."
"I have already said that it is a question of political will... If people do not do some things, they just do not want to. We hope that active US involvement in the wider process and talks directly with Russia, a clear reference that the sanctions are not lifted, and relations between Russia and the US will not improve until these issues are resolved, will change the situation," said Volker.
"We also hope that Russia will make strategic changes in its behaviour. It will happen if it says 'OK, we are ready to move on' these things will change," he added.
During a meeting with the President of Petro Poroshenko Volker discussed the release of the hostages and praised the law on the reintegration of Donbas.