One of the key issues on the agenda was the official response from the Ukrainian side on procedural decisions in regard to persons who are subject to the exchange. I remind that earlier Ukrainian representatives said they needed 6 weeks to carry out the procedure. At the today’s meeting, the Ukrainian side failed to provide the mechanism for exemption from criminal responsibility of persons who are at the stage of pre-trial and judicial investigation, and who are subject to the upcoming exchange. The Ukrainian side came up with an unacceptable proposal, which reminds the situation of December 2017, when criminal cases against supporters of the Republic weren’t closed.
The development of such a mechanism was under discussion at the meeting of the Humanitarian Subgroup, so we suggested a possible algorithm to release the above-mentioned persons. The representatives of Ukraine assured us that they will consider the suggested mechanism in terms of compliance with the Ukrainian legislation.
At the moment, the Donetsk People’s Republic has, in fact, fulfilled its commitments and is ready for the exchange. I hope that the Kiev authorities keep their promises, which would demonstrate their willingness to release the detainees.
