Minsk 2 – a fragile truce

On 12 February 2015 in Minsk, after many hours of talks, the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France succeeded in negotiating an agreement to resolve the conflict in the Donbas. Formally, the document was only signed by the so-called contact group (made up of representatives of Ukraine, Russia, the OSCE and the separatists), and relates to measures to implement the Minsk agreements of 5 and 19 September last year. All the four leaders adopted was a declaration emphasising their support for a truce based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Among other measures, the 13-point agreement provides for a ceasefire starting on 15 February, and the withdrawal of heavy weaponry and foreign military formations. At the same time, the document requires Ukraine to commit to the adoption of a new constitution and the implementation of a law granting special status to “some regions of the Donetsk and Lugansk oblasts”.

ESO: Background information: Ukraine peace talks end, ceasefire to begin Sunday http://www.europeansources.info/record/ukraine-peace-talks-end-ceasefire-to-begin-sunday/

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