Russia said on Monday that in order for Kiev to make its Eastern territory remain a part of Ukraine, they must carry out a constitutional reform that promises to give greater autonomy to the region.
It has added that if things fall out of hand, the Eastern rebellion regions will 'tear away' – an indication that the area could possibly be annexed by Russia -- much to the ire of the Western alliance.
The comments were made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergi Lavrov on Monday and could be perceived as a subtle threat that the Eastern Ukraine may not stay forever with the country if Kiev doesn't provide the region with greater autonomy and powers.
In an interview with the Interfax news agency, Lavrov demanded a constitutional reform, which involves the "participation of all regions and all political powers", in order to allow the two rebel areas in the East to remain part of the country, reported Reuters.
Lovrov pointed fingers squarely at Kiev for what it called "forcing Eastern Ukraine out of the country" by refusing to give them more autonomy. He strongly implied that the only way – if not a constitutional reform – to get out of the conflict that has killed more than 4,700 people since the violence started in April, was for the region to break away from Ukraine.
Lavrov only fell short of blatantly stating that the region could ultimately belong to Russia if all hell breaks loose in the region, which is currently in a ceasefire.
"I very much hope that the steps which the Ukrainian leadership is taking, provoking the tearing away of Donbass will end," he said referring to the two eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk which have been fighting against the Kiev forces for much of this year.
"...that Kiev's policy will change toward establishing dialogue with Donbass in order to work out the agreements that will allow all Ukrainians from all the regions to live in Ukraine with equality and respect".
The war in the region has been temporarily halted by a ceasefire that took place in September. But there are multiple instances of its violations, which have come amid increasing accusations from West that Russia is supporting the rebels from the East of the country.
