Oleksiy Danilov: Ukraine has fulfilled all necessary conditions for the Normandy Summit to take place
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov held a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Ukraine Etienne de Poncins.
The Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine expressed his gratitude to the French side for political support of Ukraine in countering Russian aggression, in particular, within the Normandy format, where France plays a major role. "We appreciate President Emmanuel Macron's efforts to organize the Normandy Summit on December 9", - he said.
According to him, Ukraine has made every effort to successfully hold this meeting: exchanged prisoners, disengaged forces and means in three areas in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote, and Petrivske, and opened a bridge crossing in Stanytsia Luhanska.
"Ukraine has fulfilled all necessary conditions for the Normandy Summit to take place", - Mr. Danilov noticed. - "At the same time, we look forward to Russia's reciprocal actions during the negotiations".
In this context, the NSDC Secretary stressed that during the Normandy Summit, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy considers it important to reach an agreement on the specific terms of releasing all illegally detained Ukrainian citizens; on the achievement of a permanent ceasefire; on regaining control of the state border with Russia by Ukraine.
Moreover, Mr. Danilov emphasized: "13 thousand human casualties in this war are a fact that should be considered by all and everyone. This is our land, and it's time for Russian troops to go home". "Not only Ukraine needs this peace, but the whole Europe. Our common task is to end this war", - he added.
The NSDC Secretary also expressed the opinion that until Russia fulfills its obligations within the framework of the Minsk agreements and stops the illegal occupation of parts of Ukraine's territory, any strengthening of cooperation between the leading European countries with the aggressor will be counterproductive and will stimulate Russia to exert pressure on Ukraine.
During the meeting, the parties also discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation. The NSDC Secretary stressed the significant potential for further expansion of cooperation in defense and security.
In his turn, Mr. Ambassador declared support for our state, its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and European choice. He also reaffirmed the determination of the French leadership to receive a positive outcome of the Normandy Summit on December 9 this year.