Berlin and the Minsk trap

When the implementation agreement on the September 2014 ceasefire was signed in Minsk on 11 February 2015 (later referred to as Minsk II agreement), there was an enormous amount of scepticism about the real effect and feasibility of the agreement. It was seen, at best, as the start of a difficult process towards peace, not as a perfect solution nor as a definitive end to the Russian-Ukrainian war.

The author suggests such scepticism was justified. There there is unfinished business on bringing peace to Ukraine and the Minsk framework is approaching a dead end. Europe faces a difficult choice: put more pressure on Moscow to comply with Minsk II, or quickly come up a plan B, possibly including a separation force.

ESO: Background information: Ukraine warns of 'full-scale invasion' by Russia http://www.europeansources.info/record/ukraine-warns-of-full-scale-invasion-by-russia/

ESO: Background information: The next battle for Ukraine http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-next-battle-for-ukraine/

ESO: Key Source: Euromaidan - Protests in Ukraine 2013 - 2015 - Key source http://www.europeansources.info/record/euromaidan-protests-in-ukraine-2013-2015/

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

---