Arseniy Yatsenyuk says postponement of "elections" in Donetsk and Luhansk is Russia's attempt to sell a bill of goods

"After the last meeting in the Normandy format Russia decided to postpone elections. I am convinced that it is Russia’s trick. First, they decided to hold elections, then - postponed them. It is a way to sell a bill of goods," Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk underlined at a meeting with British Minister of State for Europe David Lidington on Thursday, October 8.

The Prime Minister stressed that "he always was and is skeptical about the willingness of the Russian president and the Russian regime to fulfill the Minsk agreements": "But we have to work together and remain united in order to put pressure on Russia, to force it to fully implement the Minsk deal - not selectively, but completely."

David Lidington assured of the steadfast support of sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine by the British Government.

He focused on the issue of sanctions against Russia: "We declare that Russia should continue to be responsible for its actions, it must fulfill what is required under the Minsk agreements. We have to see the implementation of these agreements by Russia in general, not just partially."

David Lidington also stressed the importance of cooperation between the Ukrainian and British Governments in maintaining reforms introduced by the Government of Ukraine: "The UK will continue to do everything possible to support you, the President and the Government in implementing internal reforms and protecting the integrity of Ukraine."

Arseniy Yatsenyuk underlined that he highly appreciated the efforts being personally undertaken by Prime Minister of Great Britain David Cameron and the Government of the United Kingdom in supporting the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the struggle against Russian aggression. "Your position is extremely important," the Prime Minister of Ukraine emphasised.