Zelensky Discussed with Putin the Situation in Donbass

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has told reporters that he held a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to discuss the situation in Donbass. The reason for the telephone conversation was the aggravation of the situation in eastern Ukraine, where, despite the ceasefire that began on July 21, firing continues from time to time. On August 6, four Ukrainian soldiers died from a mine explosion. Mr. Zelensky said that the conversation took place this morning and was long. According to him, he asked the Russian president to influence the conflict so that the shelling would stop. Vladimir Zelensky noted that the details of the conversation would be set out in an official statement. At a briefing, the Ukrainian president reiterated that it was necessary to hold the summit in the Normandy format (Russia, Ukraine, Germany, and France) as soon as possible. “We need to look into each other’s eyes and stop this war,” Mr. Zelensky said. “I say (to Vladimir Putin. -“Kommersant”) that our people are being killed. I am told that there are our people shooting at civilians. You know, everyone says he wants peace. But apart from words, we must move very fast”, he said. Vladimir Zelensky also said that today he would call French President Emmanuel Macron. He added that if the situation in Donbass worsens, he will cancel the visit to Turkey scheduled for August 7–8. Last week during the trip to Truskavets, Vladimir Zelensky told Kommersant that he has expected that theleaders of the Normandy format countries to meet this fall. According to him, during a previous telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, he discussed the intensification of negotiations in the Normandy format. Kommersant