Without expanding the "Norman" format at the expense of the United States, it is difficult to imagine real progress in the process of settling the conflict in the Donbass.

This opinion was expressed to the "Observer" by the ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Konstantin Grishchenko.

"Entering the US in the" Norman "format would be logical. And without it it is difficult to imagine real progress in resolving the conflict. Finally, one can expect that the US will formulate its strategy, its approaches to the settlement of the conflict. It is Washington that has the greatest influence on Kiev and Moscow, "the diplomat said..

According to him, while the "Norman" format is paused for objective reasons - the presidential race and the upcoming parliamentary elections in France.

As reported by the "Observer", the first deputy chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Irina Gerashchenko, said that Russia is trying to block the "Norman" format.

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