But he said, “He is ready to have a dialogue on the issues to find a compromise on how to move forward in those areas.” He again called on his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to negotiate directly with Ukraine.

The foreign ministers of Ukraine and Russia are likely to meet on Thursday in the Turkish resort of Antalya. Three rounds of talks between delegations from the two countries have so far been held in southeastern Belarus. The local files were also announced by both parties.

Eastern Ukraine seceded in 2014 after the overthrow of an elected pro-Russian president in Kyiv. According to the West, because he moved away from the European Union, which led to mass protests and its downfall. According to the Kremlin, there has been a violent case of “regime change”, primarily made by the United States.

Putin invaded Ukraine on February 24, claiming the country’s refusal to resolve conflicts in the east and persecution of Russians. Russia demands recognition of Crimea as Russian territory and recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states. Moreover, Ukraine should be given a neutral status and not be allowed to become a member of NATO.