MOSCOW, April 17 (RIA Novosti) - A compromise on the situation in Ukraine needs to be found within the country and not between third players such as the United States and Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a live Q&A session with the public on Thursday.
“Can a compromise be found on the Ukrainian issue between the US and Russia? A compromise shouldn’t be found between third players, but between different political forces within Ukraine itself. This is extremely important and a key issue,” Putin said.
Russia has repeatedly said that it is up to the Ukrainians to decide on their own future, while international powers should not impose their views on the Ukrainian people.
The situation in Ukraine has been escalating since the beginning of this week. Ukraine’s current authorities announced the start of a military operation against the pro-federalization protesters in Eastern Ukraine on Tuesday.
Russia strongly condemned the move, calling it an extremely dangerous development.
At the four-party meeting in Geneva this Thursday, top diplomats from Russia, US, EU and Ukraine will discuss the situation in Ukraine and try to find a solution to the crisis.
