(ANSA) - ROME, SEPTEMBER 14 - In an interview with France 24, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna said that Russian officials have contacted Kiev in recent days to negotiate: a move that according to the Deputy Prime Minister is linked to the recent Ukrainian counter-offensive, which is now Moscow would like to try to stop.
Stefanishyna also admitted that her country was "preparing for the worst scenario" in terms of Russian retaliation, but that so far Ukraine "has not been taken by surprise".
The Deputy Prime Minister of Kiev then said she was confident that Donbass and Crimea could return to Ukrainian control.
You therefore urged European leaders to impose more sanctions on Russia, especially targeting the energy sector.
Stefanishyna finally stressed that Ukraine has now "clearly demonstrated that it is a legitimate candidate" for EU membership.
(HANDLE).