We strongly reject attempts of the Russian side to accuse Kyiv of alleged failure to implement the agreements. We declare that, despite calls from the international community, the Russian Federation itself has not taken any steps in order to de-escalate the situation and implement the Geneva agreements. Instead, Russia strongly supports terrorist groups operating in the Eastern regions of Ukraine, which endanger civilians, seize hostages and create an atmosphere of terror and violence.

The issue of safety and security of all citizens living in Ukraine is of fundamental importance for the Ukrainian authorities. Therefore, the purpose of the counterterrorist operation, the active phase of which has been renewed in Slovyansk, is to isolate illegal armed terrorist groups.

The leadership of the counterterrorist operation put forward to the armed separatists the demands to immediately release all hostages, surrender arms, release all seized administrative buildings and stop riots and pogroms. The Ukrainian authorities are ready to grant amnesty to those extremists who have not committed capital crimes. Political dialogue with peaceful protesters remains important for the leadership of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian side, as well as the Russian Embassy in Ukraine, was not informed about the visit to Ukraine of so-called "representative of the President of Russia" Mr. Lukin on May 2, who defines his mission as assistance in releasing hostages held in the East of Ukraine. Despite the circumstances of Mr. Lukin’s visit to Ukraine and proceeding from the priority for the Ukrainian authorities to ensure release of hostages by terrorists, we are ready to discuss with Mr. Lukin, as well as other possible mediators, their practical contribution to the efficiency of solving this issue.