Russia calls for the creation of a “support group” to resolve the situation in Ukraine as soon as possible, one of the goals of which will be to convene a constitutional assembly with equal representation of all Ukrainian regions to prepare a new federal constitution, the reported on Monday, March 17. Foreign Ministry press service

The ministry’s statement notes that the new federal constitution should enshrine the principles of the rule of law, protection of human rights and national minorities, freedom of speech and the activities of political parties and the media, as well as other principles “ensuring the political system of Ukraine as a democratic federal state with sovereignty.” and a neutral military-political status."

In addition, the statement states that, according to the federal constitution, the Russian language, along with Ukrainian, must be given the status of a second state language, “and the remaining languages - status in accordance with the European Convention on Regional and Minority Languages.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry also proposes that Ukrainian regions independently elect their legislative and executive bodies by direct voting. Regions should have “broad powers reflecting the cultural and historical specifics of each of them.” In addition, according to the constitution, it will be prohibited to interfere in church affairs and interfaith relations.

On Sunday, March 16, a referendum was held in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , following which 96.77% of voters voted for the autonomy to join Russia. In this regard, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that on Tuesday, March 18, he will address the Federal Assembly. On March 21, the State Duma will consider bills designed to speed up the entry of Crimea into Russia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented a plan for constitutional reform in Ukraine