Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov: Local elections in Donbas are possible only under Ukrainian law and after the restoration of Ukraine’s control over the border with Russia

Elections in the temporarily uncontrolled parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions will be possible only in the liberated territories, under Ukrainian legislation, and only witnessed by domestic and foreign observers. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksiy DANILOV stressed this in his comment to journalists of ICTV and "Ukraine" TV channels.

During the coordination meeting at the Office of the President of Ukraine on December 3, this year, five scenarios of the reintegration of the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas were approved. In particular, based on the results of the meeting, the priorities were identified for Ukraine to defend during the negotiations with the Normandy Four leaders, namely: the release of prisoners in the "all for all" format, the withdrawal of illegal armed formations from the occupied territories, the possibility of holding local elections in Donbas under Ukrainian law and turning over control of the Ukrainian-Russian border to Ukraine.

"There is no scenario of capitulation, which some political leaders claim. This is out of the question", - the NSDC Secretary emphasized. - The President of Ukraine has set us the task before us to clearly understand how we can end this war".

Mr. Danilov expressed his hope that "in the end, our partners will move from words to action, and we will resolve at least four key issues".

"First of all, we will exchange prisoners in the "all for all" format, we will cease fire at all sections of the delimitation line, and we will also find a way to resolve the issue of elections", - the NSDC Secretary said and stressed that elections can only be held under Ukrainian law, and after Ukraine regains control over the border with Russia.

The NSDC Secretary reiterated that Ukraine has fulfilled all conditions for holding the Normandy Summit. "In particular, the disengagement of troops in three areas is an unprecedented step on our part", - he pointed out.