Volker rules out returning Russia-occupied Crimea by force

U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker has ruled out the possibility of returning by force Russia-occupied Crimea, as well as direct talks with leaders of Russia-led separatists in Donbas.

“There is no military solution in the sense of Ukraine taking Crimea back by force. That would be militarily a disaster,” he said.

Volker said this option would lead to the loss of thousands of lives of people.

The diplomat also ruled out the possibility of direct talks with leaders of Russia-backed separatists in Donbas.

“Russia denies that it is doing these things [controls illegal armed formations in eastern Ukraine] and insists that Ukraine negotiate with those entities directly, which would be legitimizing that type of invasion and occupation,” Volker said.

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