Dim hope for new ceasefire in Ukraine

Dim hope for new ceasefire in Ukraine

(VOVworld) – A fresh ceasefire between Ukrainian army and seceded faction takes effect from Monday. The deal, a joint effort of Russia, Ukraine, France, and Germany, is expected reduce the month-long violence in eastern Ukraine.

Violence escalated in eastern Ukraine recently (Photo: Reuters)

After announcing the ceasefire at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Saturday, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that it is a positive sign and that parties involved agreed to use their influence to guarantee the implementation of the truce. German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel was optimistic that the deal will be a premise for a comprehensive political solution to the Ukraine conflict. Under the ceasefire, Ukrainian troops and seceded forces began to withdraw heavy weapons from combat zone, paving the way for the next negotiations.

Previous ceasefires in Ukraine mediated by the UN were all violated. For example, the Minsk peace agreement, which was reached by Germany, France, Russia, and Ukraine in February 2015, called for a full ceasefire and constitutional reform to give more political power to eastern Ukraine.

International observers are doubtful about the latest truce given the developments in eastern Ukraine and the relationship between Moscow and Kiev.

After Saturday’s Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said he was not pleased with the outcome of the meeting and that Ukraine needs strong results, not empty statements.

The Russia-Ukraine ties are likely to worsen as Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed an order to accept civil documents registered in the opposition faction-controlled eastern Ukraine. This means, Russian authorities will temporally accept IDs, education, birth, and marriage certificates, and vehicles’ registration papers issued in Donetsk and Lugansk regions, allowing citizens in conflict zone to travel, study, and work in Russia. The Kremlin said the order will be valid until political stability based on the Minsk agreement is established in conflict zone.

Ukrainian President Petro Porosenco immediately denounced the decision, calling it a provocative act.

Anh Huyen

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