The Ukrainian presidency on Tuesday January 11 welcomed the “
efforts
” of the United States, NATO and Russia aimed at lowering tensions around Ukraine, as part of a series of Russo-Western negotiations this week.
Read alsoUkraine: President Zelensky calls for a summit to end the conflict
"
We can only welcome the intentions and efforts of the United States and Russia, NATO and Russia to lower tensions and resolve all common issues at the negotiating table
," said Presidential spokesperson Sergey Nikiforov said in a video message sent to AFP. Tensions around Ukraine, which has been fighting pro-Russian separatists in the east since 2014, have been high for months as Russia, accused of preparing an attack, has massed troops at the border.
Russia, for its part, wants Western guarantees on stopping NATO's enlargement at its borders, especially Ukraine.
Moscow and Washington began Monday in Geneva a first round of negotiations to try to defuse this crisis.
If no breakthrough has been announced, the two powers have agreed to continue their dialogue to give diplomacy a chance.
Read also Ukraine: Washington reiterated its warnings to Moscow, which ensures it does not foresee any attack
"
We trust our partners and their statements that no decision on the fate of Ukraine will be taken behind our back
", commented Serguiï Nikiforov.
According to him, Kiev also has "
every interest in the settlement as soon as possible of the conflict
" in eastern Ukraine, "
especially by peaceful means
".
“
We are ready to seek solutions in all formats
,” he added.