Donetsk, Jul 12 – DAN. Kiev uses Donbass conflict to picture itself as a "victim of a foreign agression", Russian President Vladimir Putin wrote in his article published on the Kremlin's website.
"It seems, and I become more and more certain about it, that Kiev does not need Donbass. Why? First of all, because residents of the region will never accept the order that Ukraine was and is trying to impose on them by force, blockade, threats. Second, the anti-Russia project is at odds with both the results of Minsk-1 and Minsk-2, which give a real chance to reinstall Ukrainian territorial integrity. This project can be sustained if only the image of an internal and external enemy is fostered," Putin said in the article.
He said that such policy is controlled and supported by Western countries, while Kiev's actions run counter their statements on compliance with the Minsk Agreements.
"Representatives of Ukraine do not intend to discuss either Donbass special status or guarantees for the region's residents. They prefer to exploit the image of a victim of a foreign aggression and to merchandise Russophobia," Russian President said.
The Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements, approved by the Contact Group in 2015, envisions a constitutional reform in Ukraine which must result in deep decentralisation. The special status of Donbass is a key principle of the political part of the Agreements. Kiev also must coordinate all of its decisions with DPR and LPR representatives.*ot