But before anything else this is a good thing. Putin’s spokesman said Putin’s move was aimed at assisting the fledgling peace talks to end the conflict. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko appreciated this fact as a “first practical step” to ease the situation in the region. Rebels in eastern Ukraine have also agreed to a temporary ceasefire to give time for peace talks in a forum where Russia is represented alongside the Kiev government and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. According to Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, the chamber would discuss Putin’s request on June 25 and is expected an approval. This will not only contribute to reduce the risk of an escalated armed conflict in Ukraine but will stop further sanctions against Russia, planned early this week by the European Union foreign ministers.
