Ukraine, Russia agree on ceasefire deal in east Ukraine
A member of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic forces walks on top of a tank during a military drill outside the urban settlement of Torez in the region of Donetsk, Ukraine, September 14, 2015. REUTERS Alexander Ermochenko
Dec 6, Reuters - The United States has warned Russia not to invade Ukraine and urged both countries to return to a set of agreements designed to end a separatist war in eastern Ukraine. Here is a look at the agreements that were signed in Minsk in 2014 and 2015.
Ukraine and Russian backed separatists agreed on a 12 point ceasefire deal in the capital of Belarus in September 2014. Its provisions included prisoner exchanges, delivery of humanitarian aid and the withdrawal of heavy weapons, five months into a conflict that had killed more than 2,600 people - a toll that has gone up to more than 14,000 now, according to the Ukrainian government. The agreement broke down quickly, with violations by both sides.
Representatives of Russia, Ukraine, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe OSCE and the leaders of two pro-Russian separatist regions signed a 13-point agreement in February 2015 in Minsk. The leaders of France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine gathered there at the same time and issued a declaration of support for the deal.
The deal set out a series of military and political steps that are unimplemented. Russia insists that it is not a party to the conflict and is not bound by its terms, which is a major blockade. For example, point 10, calls for the withdrawal of all foreign armed formations and military equipment from the two disputed regions, Donetsk and Luhansk. Ukraine says this refers to forces from Russia, but Moscow denies it has any there.
In brief, the 13 points were
An immediate and comprehensive ceasefire is in place.
Both sides have withdrawal of all heavy weapons.
In accordance with Ukrainian law, to start a dialogue on interim self-government for the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and acknowledge their special status by a resolution of the parliament.
A pardon and amnesty for people involved in the fighting is required by the pardon and amnesty.
The government of Ukraine is trying to restore full control of the state border.
Withdrawal of all foreign armed formations, military equipment and mercenaries.
There is a mention of Donetsk and Luhansk in the Ukrainian constitutional reform, with specific mentions of Donetsk and Luhansk.
Elections in Luhansk and Donetsk will be agreed with their representatives.
The work of the Trilateral Contact Group includes representatives of Russia, Ukraine and the OSCE.