Kyiv: coming up to referendum on neutrality may take one year

Ukrainian officials say that holding a referendum on neutrality may take one year, considering the current situation in the country and mandatory procedures. 

“It may take at least a year for Ukraine to hold a referendum on neutrality,” said Davit Arakhamia, chairman of the Servant of the People’s party in the Ukrainian Rada and one of  negotiators in peace talks with Russia. 

He said such a decision should be made by the Ukrainian people – not politicians – in a national referendum.

Arakhamia explained that declaring neutrality would require the signatures of three million citizens.

“This is a complicated procedure that cannot be carried out outside a peaceful area,” he said.

Ukraine has recently raised its proposals for security guarantees in exchange for neutrality which would need the involvement of several foreign states as guarantors.