Minsk deal provides hope for peace in eastern Ukraine but leaders warn 'major obstacles' remain
- 9 years ago
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a ceasefire deal for eastern Ukraine marks a significant breakthrough.
Marathon talks have been held in the Belarussian capital Minsk, in an effort to put a stop to fighting in the area.
Putin said the truce would come into effect on Sunday (February 15) and that the withdrawal of heavy artillery would take place over the two weeks that follow.
Speaking from Minsk, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the agreement was partly down to pressure Putin put on pro-Moscow separatists in the restive east of Ukraine.
“There is a glimmer of hope here,” she said. “We have an in-depth implementation plan from the Minsk agreement but, of course, concrete steps have to be taken and we will still face major obstacles. But, on balance, I can say that what we have achieved provides significantly more hope than if we had achieved nothing.”
She also praised the efforts of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who “did everything to achieve t
Marathon talks have been held in the Belarussian capital Minsk, in an effort to put a stop to fighting in the area.
Putin said the truce would come into effect on Sunday (February 15) and that the withdrawal of heavy artillery would take place over the two weeks that follow.
Speaking from Minsk, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the agreement was partly down to pressure Putin put on pro-Moscow separatists in the restive east of Ukraine.
“There is a glimmer of hope here,” she said. “We have an in-depth implementation plan from the Minsk agreement but, of course, concrete steps have to be taken and we will still face major obstacles. But, on balance, I can say that what we have achieved provides significantly more hope than if we had achieved nothing.”
She also praised the efforts of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who “did everything to achieve t