Head of the Russian delegation at the talks with Ukraine Medinsky made the following statement:
“We calmly propose the following: now it is noon. Until 15:00, we continue to be here and wait for the answer of the Ukrainian side in confirmation of their own decision to leave for negotiations in Gomel. As soon as we receive this confirmation, we will immediately move there and meet our negotiating colleagues. We are for standing for peace. In case of refusal to negotiate, the entire responsibility for the bloodshed will be on the Ukrainian side. But we are here [in Belarus – ed.], waiting to until 15:00 to get a response from the Ukrainian side.
The Russian delegation is currently in Belarus, waiting for the Ukrainian side to agree on negotiations in Belarusian city of Gomel which Ukrainians had offered earlier. The parties worked out in detail the route of the Ukrainian delegation, it was agreed upon, the Russian side ensured and guaranteed the absolute safety of the Ukrainian delegation. Since early morning the Russian side had been in Belarus.
At the same time, the Office of the President of Ukraine announced their unwillingness to negotiate on the territory of the Republic of Belarus and the unacceptability of Moscow’s conditions.