OREANDA-NEWS. The prerequisites for defusing the conflict in eastern Ukraine have been created; the implementation of the so-called Steinmeier formula may lead to a reduction in sanction pressure on Russia. This was stated in an interview with a Russian media correspondent by the chairman of the Bundestag committee on economics and energy, MP from the Left Party, Klaus Ernst.

According to him, the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky "is much more ready for serious steps to resolve the conflict" than his predecessor. Ernst said that the exchange of prisoners and the withdrawal of forces in the Donbass are "good prerequisites for further detente".

“If Ukraine agrees with the Steinmeier formula and if free local elections are held in Lugansk and Donetsk according to OSCE standards, this would be a big step forward. This could lead to a reduction in anti-Russian sanctions”, Ernst said. In addition, the German government sees gas transit as an important tool for cooperation between Ukraine and Russia, as well as to ensure that Berlin is confident in receiving Russian gas. “However, Ukraine must pay for this gas in a timely and guaranteed manner”, Ernst said.