MOSCOW, Ocrober 1. /TASS/. Resolution of the current crisis in Ukraine is still some way off but there are things that inspire hope that it will be cleared away eventually, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.
"Resolution of the crisis is still some way off but certain things inspire confidence that will be overcome some day," Putin said. "The main thing is there's no shooting today, and so let's hope dialogue between the unrecognized [Luhanks and Donetsk] republics and the Kiev authorities will be positive and the main condition for reaching the compromise will be fulfilled, too."
"And the main condition is direct dialogue [between the republics and the government in Kiev - TASS]," Putin said. "Russia will insist on it because it hopes to see displays of good will on both sides."
Putin hopes Donbas shelling will end to let mine clearing operation begin
The president expressed hope that shelling of the Donbas region in the east of Ukraine would end soon and then a mine clearing operation in the territory could be launched.
Putin said that it was necessary to clear the Donbas territory of mines, "but this work should be coordinated with the relevant agencies, which can be done after shelling attacks end." "You cannon demine when shells are falling. However, there are no serious clashes and shelling there at present. I hope that they [shelling attacks] will end altogether after some weapons are withdrawn," the president said, adding that he hoped that the conflict parties would observe the Minsk agreements.
The president said that there the Ukrainian crisis resolution can be achieved only through the implementation of the Minsk agreements, however, they, "unfortunately, are not being fulfilled so far."
Putin also promised the head of the Just Aid Foundation, Yelizaveta Glinka, in response to her request, to extend for a year the government regulation on free medical treatment of children from the southeast of Ukraine. "We’ll extend the regulation," he said.