STAVROPOL, January 25. /TASS/. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov believes that Kiev’s obligations that have not been complied with to this day should be central to the issue of settlement in the east of Ukraine.

"First and foremost the point at issue should be what Kiev must do," he told the media. "Take the text of the Minsk Accords and just read the items stated there and you will find a clear description of Kiev’s obligations that have regrettably failed to be implemented."

When asked about statements by French officials Paris hoped for the lifting of sanctions from Russia Peskov said that the Kremlin had more than once responded to that.

"It is not our agenda, but an agenda for those who use sanction rhetoric," he said.

"We believe that the sanctions are absolutely unlawful and run counter to the interests of Russia and of those countries that imposed them," Peskov said.