MINSK. Dec 5 (Interfax) - The Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), which mediates the conflict in eastern Ukraine, continued discussing preparations for a prisoner exchange between the conflicting parties at its meeting in Minsk on Tuesday, Russia's representative to the TCG, Boris Gryzlov, said.
"It is important to prevent provocations aimed at disrupting the agreements. Discussion of the procedure, place, and date of the exchange is continuing," Gryzlov told journalists.
The TGC agreed to hold an additional video conference next week, if necessary, he said.
"However, overall, a number of issues do exist in the framework of the Minsk process. Kyiv is still not making any steps toward a political settlement of the conflict," Gryzlov said.
It is necessary to ensure the implementation of the Steinmeier formula, whereby the law granting a special status to Donbas is introduced on a permanent basis, he said.
"Ukraine has never published orders on the ceasefire and disciplining its violators. Meanwhile, the DPR and LPR [Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics] published theirs long ago," Gryzlov said.
"Responsibility for the serious socio-economic situation in Donbas lies entirely with Ukraine, which is keeping the economic and transport blockade of the region in place," he said.