Ukraine Foreign Ministry regards Putin's idea as farce, rejects talks with terrorists

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has issued a statement regarding remarks made by the Russian and Swiss presidents on the intentions to de-escalate the situation in Ukraine.

The statement notes that despite the appearance of gestures of "goodwill," the content and rhetoric that were announced in the Kremlin have nothing to do with a true search for a solution to the crisis.

"Russia should first fulfill its Geneva obligations and distance itself from the activity of terrorists in east Ukraine, publicly call on separatist groups to lay down arms and stop the subversive activity of sabotage groups. The withdrawal of Russian military forces from the Ukrainian borders should be confirmed by real facts," the ministry said.

"Any 'terrorist referendums' in the east of our country are illegitimate by definition. Therefore any calls for their 'postponement' are not a sign of goodwill, but a mere farce. Russia has already realized such a scenario in Crimea," reads the statement.

"The unconditional priority of the Ukrainian government is to establish full-scale national dialogue that will involve political forces and representatives of the regions and society. All of the necessary conditions of peace and security should be created for such dialogue. But holding any dialogue with terrorists is impossible and unthinkable," the ministry said.