Russia reveals proposal to end Ukraine crisis

Russia reveals proposal to end Ukraine crisis

MOSCOW, WASHINGTON, BRUSSELS -- The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Ukraine to organize itself as a federal state and call new elections.

In a statement posted on the ministry's website on Monday, an appeal is made to the Ukrainian parliament to convene a constituent session that would draft a new constitution. This would give the country a federal system and transfer more powers to regions.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also has said that these proposals are part of an effort by Moscow to calm tensions in Ukraine by diplomatic means.

Russia insists that Ukrainian regions should be given broader autonomy and that the country adopts a "neutral political and military status."

The ministry said that Russia a week ago suggested to the United States and the EU the setting up of an international support group for Ukraine, so that the country could get out of the crisis.

"Taking into account the requirements of the U.S. and European countries, we prepared and submitted a week ago to our major partners in the United States, Europe and other regions Russia's proposals on ways to support those measures that Ukrainians themselves need to bring in order to exit the crisis," the statement said.

Moscow proposes "the formation of a support group for Ukraine that would be acceptable to all Ukrainian political forces," the statement added.

Among these conditions is the necessity of Ukrainian politicians to distance themselves from ultra-nationalists which Moscow accuses of having entered the new government in Kiev after the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych in February.

Russia proposes that the Russian language...