Mrs. Olena Shaloput:

On the prospects for a peaceful settlement in Donbass, Ukraine remains committed to the implementation of the Minsk agreements in their entirety. The Minsk agreements are the only option for the peaceful settlement on the table. We are keen to unlock the political process but that is if Russia implements the security provisions of the Minsk agreements. I am convinced that a political settlement is possible if adequate security pre-conditions are provided by Russia.

Speaking of how people from the Donetsk and Lugansk regions will integrate into our society, we have no problem with Russian-speaking people. My mother is Russian and she speaks fluent Russian with no problems. She does not feel any restrictions in Ukraine. These are our people in the Donetsk and Lugansk region. The only simple solution is for Russia to take its weapons, militants and regular and irregular forces from our territory. We were living very peacefully before. We have never had such problems with our people inside our country, including Tartars, Russians and Ukrainians. That is the answer to how we can live together in peace. We were already doing so.

As to how to help with the Minsk process, I am a diplomat and want to resolve all problems diplomatically. The most important thing today is sanctions. Russian people are tied to everything we have now, including our privations. Simple Russian people want to live in a prosperous state and to have free movement around the world. They are interested in this piece. That is why sanctions are the most important thing today.

I was asked how we can save the monitors. That also depends on Russia because there are no accidents with SMM monitors in the territory under the control of Ukraine. All of these incidents, including the one two days ago, happened in uncontrolled territory. We have no influence in this territory but Russia does. Russia can influence its proxies.

As to the Irish experience, the former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, visited Ukraine last year and shared his experience of how to resolve conflict. It was very useful for us. We appreciate Ireland's current support in the European institutions and at a bilateral level. We need common solidarity. Only together can we overcome the problem we have.