‘Stronger engagement’ of both sides is key to solving Ukraine crisis – OSCE chief to RT

Overcoming a strong level of mistrust and encouraging “a stronger engagement of the sides” is needed to bring peace to eastern Ukraine, according to the secretary-general of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), who spoke to RT.

Lamberto Zannier said he wasn’t “entirely convinced” of the idea that sending an armed international presence is the most effective way to solve the conflict. He was speaking to RT on the sidelines of the 6th annual Moscow Conference on International Security.

He added that dialogue needs to be encouraged, and that the “key parameters” for such dialogue are present, referencing the Minsk truce deal signed in February 2015, which both Kiev and local militias have accused each other of violating.

Zannier also spoke to RT about “divisions” seen in the Ukraine conflict which are proving to be an “obstacle” to solving common concerns including terrorism.