Misplaced Pages

Minsk II: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 00:47, 22 April 2019 edit191.176.171.66 (talk)No edit summaryTags: Mobile edit Mobile app edit Android app edit← Previous edit Latest revision as of 21:28, 1 August 2022 edit undoMzajac (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users66,545 edits removing categories from this redirect 
(12 intermediate revisions by 12 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
#REDIRECT ] {{R from merge}} {{R to section}}
{{other uses}}
{{EngvarB|date=February 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2015}}
]
<!-- No bolding per WP:BOLDTITLE -->The '''Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements''', or more commonly '''Minsk II''', was an addendum to the ] intended to alleviate the ongoing ]. It was developed at a summit in ] on 11 February 2015 by the leaders of ], ], ], and ] .<ref name= "BBC12FEB" /><ref name= "GD12FEB">{{cite news | url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/12/ukraine-crisis-reports-emerge-of-agreement-in-minsk-talks | title=Ukraine ceasefire deal agreed at Belarus talks | work=The Guardian | date= 12 February 2015 | accessdate= 12 February 2015}}</ref><ref name= E1345>{{cite web|url= http://www.euronews.com/2015/02/12/breakthrough-in-minsk-as-leaders-agree-to-ceasefire-deal-on-ukraine/|title=Breakthrough in Minsk as leaders agree to ceasefire deal on Ukraine|work= Euronews |date= 12 February 2015 |accessdate=12 February 2015}}</ref><ref name= "OSCE12FEB">{{cite press release | url= http://www.osce.org/cio/140196 | title=OSCE Chairperson-in-Office gives full backing to Minsk package | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=12 February 2015 | accessdate=12 February 2015}}</ref> The talks that led to the deal, overseen by the ] (OSCE), were organised in response to the collapse of the ] ceasefire in January–February 2015. The new package of measures is intended to revive the Protocol, which had been agreed to on 5 September 2014.

As reported on 27 December 2018 by Ukrainian ] ], not a single provision of the Minsk deal has been 100% implemented.<ref name= "10391709-almost-entire-gray">{{Cite news|url= https://www.unian.info/war/10391709-almost-entire-gray-zone-in-donbas-liberated-by-ukraine-without-minsk-deal-breach-adviser.html |title=Almost entire 'gray' zone in Donbas liberated by Ukraine without Minsk deal breach – adviser}}, ] (27 December 2018)</ref>

==Summit and drafting==
Successive attempts to resolve the ] in the ] region of Ukraine had seen no result by the start of February 2015.<ref name="BB12FEB225f">{{cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-12/ukrainian-cease-fire-sealed-after-all-night-minsk-peace-summit | title=EU Stands by Sanctions Against Russia After Ukraine Truce Sealed | work=Bloomberg News | date=12 February 2015 | accessdate=12 February 2015}}</ref> While the ] of 5 September 2014 did significantly reduce fighting in the conflict zone for many months, minor skirmishes continued. At the start of January 2015, the separatist forces of the ] (DPR) and ] (LPR) began a new offensive on Ukrainian-controlled areas, resulting in the complete collapse of the Minsk Protocol ceasefire.<ref name="GD21JAN">{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/21/russia-ukraine-war-fighting-east | title=Ukraine forces admit loss of Donetsk airport to rebels | work=The Guardian | date=21 January 2015 | accessdate=23 January 2015}}</ref> After heavy fighting, DPR forces ] the symbolically important ] on 21 January, the last part of the city of ] that had been under Ukrainian control. Following this victory, separatist forces ] on the important railway and road junction of ] in late January. This renewed heavy fighting caused significant concern in the international community. French president ] and German chancellor ] put forth a new peace plan on 7 February. The Franco-German plan, drawn up after talks with Ukrainian president ] and Russian president ], was seen as a revival of the ]. President Hollande said that the plan was the "last chance" for resolution of the conflict.<ref name="7FEB2052">{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31185027 | title=Ukraine crisis: 'Last chance' for peace says Hollande | publisher=BBC News | date=7 February 2015 | accessdate=7 February 2015}}</ref><ref name="wew223">{{cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-07/putin-rejects-attempts-to-contain-russia-after-peace-talks-fail | title=Putin Rejects Attempts to Contain Russia After Peace Talks Fail | work=Bloomberg News | date=7 February 2015 | accessdate=7 February 2015}}</ref> The plan was put forth in response to American proposals to send armaments to the Ukrainian government, something that Chancellor Merkel said would only result in a worsening of the crisis.<ref name="7FEB2052" /><ref name="7FEBNYT">{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/08/world/europe/divisions-on-display-over-western-response-to-ukraine-at-security-conference.html | title=Western Nations Split on Arming Kiev | work=The New York Times | date=7 February 2015 | accessdate=7 February 2015}}</ref>

A summit to discuss the implementation of the Franco-German diplomatic plan was scheduled for 11 February at ] in ], the capital of ]. It was attended by Russian president Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko, ] Angela Merkel, French president François Hollande, DPR leader ], and LPR leader ]. Negotiations went on overnight for sixteen hours, and were said to have been "very difficult" by the ].<ref name="12FEG22">{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/12/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSKBN0LG0FX20150212 | title='Glimmer of hope' for Ukraine after deal at Minsk peace summit | agency=Reuters | date=12 February 2015 | accessdate=12 February 2015}}</ref><ref name="UYH#52">{{cite news|first1=Alexandra|last1=Hudson|author2=Madeline Chambers|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/german-min-minsk-deal-not-wished-101526732.html?ref=gs|title=German foreign minister: Minsk deal not all we would have wished for|publisher=Yahoo News|date=12 February 2015|agency=Reuters|accessdate=21 October 2016}}</ref> Following the talks, it was announced on 12 February that the parties to the conflict had agreed to a new package of peacemaking measures.<ref name="OSCE12FEB"/> Some of the measures agreed to were an OSCE-observed unconditional ceasefire from 15 February, withdrawal of heavy weapons from the front line, release of prisoners of war, and constitutional reform in Ukraine.<ref name="WSJ12FEBY">{{cite news|first1=Andrey|last1=Ostroukh|author2=Gregory L. White|author3=Julian E. Barnes|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-peace-talks-yield-cease-fire-deal-1423731958|title=Ukraine Peace Talks Yield Cease-Fire Deal|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=12 February 2015|accessdate=12 February 2015|subscription=yes}}</ref>

===Reactions===
The new package, commonly referred to as "Minsk II", was criticised for being "highly complicated" and "extremely fragile", and for being very similar to the failed ].<ref name="BBC12FEB"/><ref name="GD12FEB22">{{cite news|first=Simon|last=Tisdall|author-link=Simon Tisdall|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/12/ukraine-peace-deal-looks-fragile-in-the-extreme|title=Ukraine peace deal looks fragile in the extreme|work=The Guardian|date=12 February 2015|accessdate=12 February 2015}}</ref><ref name="MEI1">{{cite news|first=Ingo|last=Mannteufel|url=http://www.dw.com/en/opinion-minsk-ii-leaves-many-questions-unanswered/a-18255011|title=Minsk II leaves many questions unanswered|publisher=Deutsche Welle|date=12 February 2015|accessdate=12 February 2015}}</ref> '']'' reported that the plan "included some tripwires", such as not demarcating control over the city of Debaltseve, which was the site of the most fierce fighting at the time of the plan's drafting.<ref name="BBC12FEB">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31435812|title=Ukraine crisis: Leaders agree peace roadmap|publisher=BBC News|date=12 February 2015|accessdate=12 February 2015}}</ref><ref name="12FEBNYT">{{cite news|first=Neil|last=MacFarquhar|author-link=Neil MacFarquhar|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/13/world/europe/ukraine-talks-cease-fire.html|title=Leaders in Ukraine Talks Announce Cease-Fire Agreement|work=The New York Times|date=12 February 2015|accessdate=12 February 2015}}</ref> Following the Minsk talks, Chancellor Merkel, President Hollande, and President Poroshenko attended a ] (EU) summit in ].<ref name="GDu34">{{cite news|last=Traynor|first=Ian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/13/ukraine-service-personnel-killed-minsk-ceasefire|title=Putin tried to delay Ukraine ceasefire deal, EU summit told|publisher=The Guardian|date=13 February 2015|accessdate=13 February 2015|location=Brussels}}</ref> At the summit, the Minsk participants briefed EU leaders about the talks. During the briefing, they said that President Putin had tried to delay the implementation of a ceasefire by ten days, so as to force Ukrainian troops in Debaltseve to surrender their positions. For his part, President Putin said that the Debaltseve defenders were encircled, and that the separatists expected them "to lay down their arms and cease resistance".<ref name="GDu34" /> '']'' reporter ] wrote that implementation of the ceasefire in Debaltseve hinged upon whether or not Ukrainian forces were truly encircled, "Above all, does it exist or not? Vladimir Putin insisted that it exists and that if a cease-fire agreement is reached, it will be odd if it isn't violated: Those in the kettle will certainly try to get out of there; those who have boiled that kettle will try to collect the foam".<ref name="NYT15FEBY">{{cite news|first=Andrew E.|last=Kramer|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/16/world/europe/despite-truce-shelling-continues-in-parts-of-ukraine.html?ref=world|title=Despite Truce, Shelling Continues in Parts of Ukraine|work=The New York Times|date=15 February 2014|accessdate=16 February 2015}}</ref>

] spokeswoman ] said on 13 February that the ] had actively deployed around Debaltseve to assist the separatists in forcing out Ukrainian troops prior to the start of the ceasefire, the 15 February. Russia denied this, and Russian government spokesman ] said that Russia could not assist in the implementation of Minsk II because it was "not a participant" in the conflict.<ref name="NYT13FEBY">{{cite news|first1=Andrew E.|last1=Kramer|author2=Michael R. Gordon|author-link2=Michael R. Gordon|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/14/world/europe/ukraine-fighting-escalates-ahead-of-truce.html|title=U.S. Faults Russia as Combat Spikes in East Ukraine|work=The New York Times|date=13 February 2015|accessdate=14 February 2015}}</ref>

] leader ] said that he reserved the right to continue fighting, and that Minsk II was unconstitutional. He said that his Ukrainian Volunteer Corps would continue fighting "until complete liberation of Ukrainian lands from Russian occupants", and promised "death to Russian terrorist-occupiers".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wiadomosci/1,114871,17406370,Minsk_2_bedzie_niewazny__Kreml__Ukraincy_zlamia_rozejm.html|title=Mińsk-2 będzie nieważny? Kreml: Ukraińcy złamią rozejm w Donbasie. Prawy Sektor: Zachowujemy prawo do walki|trans-title=Minsk-2 will be unimportant? Kremlin: Ukrainians will break the truce in Donbass. Right Sector: We will reserve the right to fight|language=pl|work=Gazeta Wyborcza|date=13 February 2015|accessdate=21 October 2016}}</ref><ref name="GD13FEB2323">{{cite news|first=Alec|last=Luhn|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/13/minsk-ceasefire-balance-fighting-eastern-ukraine|title=Minsk ceasefire in balance as fighting escalates in eastern Ukraine|work=The Guardian|date=13 February 2015|accessdate=15 February 2015}}</ref><ref name="EM121">{{cite web|first=Yuriy|last=Yatsyshyn|url=http://euromaidanpress.com/2015/02/14/dmytro-yarosh-right-sector-fight-complete-liberation-ukraine-russian-occupants/#comment-21371|title=Dmytro Yarosh: 'Right Sector' to fight until complete liberation of Ukraine from Russian occupants|work=]|date=14 February 2015|accessdate=15 February 2015}}</ref> DPR leader ] said that the ceasefire did not apply to Debaltseve, and that fighting would continue there.<ref name="15FEBYKYP">{{cite news|first=Stefan|last=Huijboom|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/quieter-but-guns-of-war-still-not-silent-on-first-day-of-cease-fire-in-donetsk-380736.html|title=Quieter, but guns of war still not silent, on first day of cease-fire in Donetsk|work=Kyiv Post|date=15 February 2015|accessdate=15 February 2015}}</ref>

==Measures==
The full text of the agreement is as follows:<ref name="OSCEfulltext">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/ru/cio/140221?download=true | title=Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=12 February 2015 | accessdate=12 February 2015 | language=Russian}}</ref><ref name="DT12FEBY">{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/11408266/Minsk-agreement-on-Ukraine-crisis-text-in-full.html | title=Minsk agreement on Ukraine crisis: text in full | work=The Daily Telegraph | date=12 February 2015 | accessdate=12 February 2015}}</ref>

# Immediate and full ceasefire in particular districts of ] and ] oblasts of Ukraine and its strict fulfilment as of 00:00 midnight ] on 15 February 2015.
# Pull-out of all heavy weapons by both sides to equal distance with the aim of creation of a security zone on minimum {{convert|50|km|mi}} apart for artillery of 100mm calibre or more, and a security zone of {{convert|70|km|mi}} for ] (MRLS) and {{convert|140|km|mi}} for ], ], ], and ] tactical missile systems:
#* for Ukrainian troops, from actual line of contact;
#* for armed formations of particular ] of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine, from the contact line in accordance with the ] as of 19 September 2014{{paragraph break}}The pullout of the above-mentioned heavy weapons must start no later than the second day after the start of the ceasefire and finish within 14 days.{{paragraph break}}This process will be assisted by ] with the support of the ].
# Effective monitoring and verification of ceasefire regime and pullout of heavy weapons by OSCE will be provided from the first day of pullout, using all necessary technical means such as satellites, drones, radio-location systems etc.
# On the first day after the pullout a dialogue is to start on modalities of conducting local elections in accordance with the Ukrainian legislation and the Law of Ukraine "On temporary Order of Local Self-Governance in Particular Districts of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts," and also about the future of these districts based on the above-mentioned law.{{paragraph break}}Without delays, but no later than 30 days from the date of signing of this document, a resolution has to be approved by the ], indicating the territory which falls under the special regime in accordance with the law "On temporary Order of Local Self-Governance in Particular Districts of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts," based in the line set up by the ] as of 19 September 2014.
# Provide pardon and amnesty by way of enacting a law that forbids persecution and punishment of persons in relation to events that took place in particular districts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine.
# Provide release and exchange of all hostages and illegally held persons, based on the principle of "all for all". This process has to end – at the latest – on the fifth day after the pullout (of weapons).
# Provide safe access, delivery, storage and distribution of humanitarian aid to the needy, based on an international mechanism.
# Define the modalities of a full restoration of social and economic connections, including social transfers, such as payments of pensions and other payments (income and revenue, timely payment of communal bills, restoration of tax payments within the framework of Ukrainian legal field).{{paragraph break}}With this aim, Ukraine will restore management over the segment of its banking system in the districts affected by the conflict, and possibly, an international mechanism will be established to ease such transactions.
# Restore control of the ] to the ] in the whole conflict zone, which has to start on the first day after the local election and end after the full political regulation (local elections in particular districts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts based on the law of Ukraine and Constitutional reform) by the end of 2015, on the condition of fulfillment of Point 11 – in consultations and in agreement with representatives of particular districts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts within the framework of the ].
# Pullout of all foreign armed formations, military equipment, and also mercenaries from the territory of Ukraine under OSCE supervision. Disarmament of all illegal groups.
# Constitutional reform in Ukraine, with a new constitution to come into effect by the end of 2015, the key element of which is ] (taking into account peculiarities of particular districts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, agreed with representatives of these districts), and also approval of permanent legislation on the special status of particular districts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in accordance with the measures spelt out in the attached footnote,<ref group=note>The following measures are to be included in the Ukrainian law "On temporary Order of Local Self-Governance in Particular Districts of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts":
* Freedom from punishment, harassment, and discrimination of persons connected with the events that took place in particular districts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts
* Right of ]
* Participation of local self-government in the appointment of the heads of prosecutors' offices and courts in the particular districts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts
* The possibility for central executive bodies to conclude agreements with relevant local authorities on economic, social, and cultural development of particular districts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts
* The state will provide support for the socio-economic development of particular districts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts
* Assistance from central executive bodies for cross-border cooperation by particular districts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts with regions of the ]
* The freedom to create people's militia units by decision of local councils to maintain public order in particular districts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts
* The powers of local council deputies and officials, elected in early elections, appointed by the ] according to this law, cannot be prematurely terminated</ref> by the end of 2015.
# Based on the Law of Ukraine "On temporary Order of Local Self-Governance in Particular Districts of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts", questions related to local elections will be discussed and agreed upon with representatives of particular districts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group. Elections will be held in accordance with relevant OSCE standards and monitored by OSCE/].
# Intensify the work of the Trilateral Contact Group including through the establishment of working groups on the implementation of relevant aspects of the Minsk agreements. They will reflect the composition of the Trilateral Contact Group.

===Notes===
{{reflist|group=note}}

===Signatories===
The document was signed by:<ref name="OSCEfulltext"/>
*Swiss diplomat and OSCE representative ]
*Former president of Ukraine and Ukrainian representative ]
*Russian Ambassador to Ukraine and Russian representative ]
*Separatist's leaders ] and ]

==Efficacy==

Though fighting generally subsided after the ceasefire came into effect at 0:00 ] on 15 February, skirmishes and shelling continued in several parts of the conflict zone.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukraine-shaky-truce-is-mainly-holding-except-for-debaltseve-380724.html| title=Except for Debaltseve, Ukraine's officials say fighting subsides in shaky truce |newspaper=The Kyiv Post|date=15 February 2015|accessdate=15 February 2015}}</ref> Shelling and fighting at ] continued, as DPR leader ] said that the ceasefire did not apply to that area.<ref name="Guardian1">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/14/ukraine-ceasefire-doubt-clashes-rebels-russia-rockets-shelling|title=Fears for Ukraine's ceasefire as clashes with Russia-backed rebels intensify|date=15 February 2015|newspaper=The Guardian|accessdate=15 February 2015}}</ref> In the south of Donetsk Oblast, fighting between DPR forces and members of the ] continued in villages near ].<ref name="Guardian1" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/fighting-rages-in-eastern-ukraine-as-cease-fire-deadline-approaches-1423833402|title=Fighting Rages in Eastern Ukraine as Cease-Fire Deadline Approaches|date=13 February 2015|accessdate=15 February 2015|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref> By 16 February, Minsk II seemed on the verge of collapse.<ref name=ef23>{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/02/17/uk-ukraine-crisis-idUKKBN0LK13520150217|title=Ukraine truce fades as sides refuse to withdraw big guns|work=Reuters|date=17 February 2015|accessdate=17 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://time.com/3711527/ukraine-russia-debaltseve-ceasefire/|title=Ukraine Truce Hangs by Thread as Fighting Rages Near Eastern City of Debaltseve|work=Time|date=17 February 2015|accessdate=17 February 2015}}</ref> Separatists continued a heavy assault on Debaltseve. Both sides said that they would not withdraw heavy weaponry as specified by the agreement whilst fighting in Debaltseve was ongoing.<ref name=ade2>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31495099|title=Ukraine crisis: Army and rebels stall heavy arms pullout|date=17 February 2015|accessdate=17 February 2015|publisher=BBC News}}</ref> ] described the ceasefire as "stillborn" in Debaltseve.<ref name="REU16FEBY">{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/16/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSKBN0LK13K20150216 |title=Battle rages for town where Ukraine rebels reject ceasefire| work=Reuters|date=16 February 2015| accessdate=16 February 2015}}</ref> Ukrainian forces were forced to retreat from Debaltseve on 18 February, leaving separatist forces in control of the city.<ref name="GD18FEBY">{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/18/ukrainian-soldiers-share-horrors-of-debaltseve-battle-after-stinging-defeat | title=Ukrainian soldiers share horrors of Debaltseve battle after stinging defeat | work=The Guardian | date=18 February 2015 | accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref>

In the week after the fall of Debaltseve to pro-Russian forces, fighting in the conflict zone abated.<ref name="REU26FEBY">{{cite news | url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/02/26/uk-ukraine-crisis-idUKKBN0LU1E720150226 | title=Ukraine begins artillery withdrawal, recognising truce is holding | work=Reuters | date=26 February 2015 | accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref> DPR and LPR forces began to withdraw artillery from the front lines as specified by Minsk II on 24 February, and Ukraine did so on 26 February. Ukraine reported that it had suffered no casualties during 24–26 February, something that had not occurred since early January 2015.<ref name="REU26FEBY" /><ref name="UT26FEBY">{{cite news | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY0sMKuEXN0 | title=Ukraine Heavy Arms Withdrawal: Situation in country's east stabilizes, says military spokesperson | work=Ukraine Today | date=26 February 2015 | accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>

The ] approved a law on "special status" for Donbass on 17 March, as specified by Minsk II.<ref name="REU17MARCH">{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/17/us-ukraine-crisis-status-idUSKBN0MD1ZK20150317 | title=Ukraine parliament offers special status for rebel east, Russia criticizes | work=Reuters | date=17 March 2015 | accessdate=17 March 2015 | location=Kiev}}</ref> The law was immediately criticised by Ukrainian politicians, separatist leaders, and the Russian government. ] leader ] said that the law was "a vote for de-facto recognition of the Russian occupation in Donbass". Vice-parliamentary speaker ] said that law was "not for Putin or the occupiers", but to show ] that Ukraine was willing to adhere to Minsk II. Russian foreign minister ] said that the law was a "sharp departure from the Minsk agreements".<ref name="REU17MARCH" /> Representatives of the LPR and DPR said that the law was a "one-sided" modification of Minsk II, and that the agreement had been rendered void by this modification.<ref name="IF17MARCH2015">{{cite news | url=http://www.interfax.ru/world/430316 | script-title=ru:ДНР И ЛНР отказались признать не согласованные с ними изменения закона об особом статусе | trans-title=DPR and LPR refuse to recognise undiscussed changes to law on special status | work=Interfax News Agency | date=17 March 2015 | accessdate=18 March 2015 | language=Russian}}</ref> DPR leader ] said that any change to Minsk II that had not been mutually agreed upon was "legally void", and that "nothing that had been agreed upon in Minsk has been carried out". He added that the DPR "must occupy all of the cities in which ] took place, and then politically cooperate as equal partners".<ref name="IF17MA2">{{cite news | url=http://www.interfax.ru/world/430423 | script-title=ru:Захарченко призвал взять под контроль все города-участники референдума о независимости ДНР | trans-title=Zaharchenko says the DPR must take control of all cities that participated in the independence referendum | work=Interfax News Agency | date=17 March 2015 | accessdate=18 March 2015 | language=Russian}}</ref> Despite this, representatives of the DPR and LPR continued to forward peace proposals to the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tass.ru/en/world/794242|title=Donetsk, Luhansk republics say election proposals forwarded to Contact Group on Ukraine|publisher=]|date=12 May 2015|accessdate=21 October 2016}}</ref> Ukrainian defence minister ] said on 8 June 2015 that over 100 soldiers and at least 50 civilians had been killed since Minsk II came into effect. According to him, pro-Russian forces had violated the truce more than 4,000 times.<ref name="psx8615">{{cite news|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-06/08/c_134308193.htm|title=Over 100 Ukrainian troops, 50 civilians killed during ceasefire: DM|work=Xinhua News Agency|date=8 June 2015|accessdate=22 July 2015}}</ref> Contrary to the agreement, DPR representative ] and LPR representative ] said on 10 June 2015 that their republics "would like to join the Russian Federation". In addition, they said that they consider ], which was ] in March 2014, to be part of Russia.<ref name="BBCUK10J">{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/politics/2015/06/150610_dnr_lnr_crimea_vc|script-title=uk:'ДНР' та 'ЛНР' передумали й визнали Крим російським|trans-title='DPR' and 'LPR' changed their minds and recognized Crimea as Russian|language=uk|work=BBC Ukrainian Service|date=10 June 2015|accessdate=21 October 2016}}</ref>

American ] official Michael Carpenter said on 2 March 2016 that at least 430 Ukrainian soldiers had died since the signing of Minsk II, that Russia maintained "command-and-control links" over the DPR and LPR, and that Russia was "pouring heavy weapons" into the Donbass.<ref name="VOA2MAR">{{cite news | url=http://www.voanews.com/a/pentagon-ukraine-russia-minsk/3217502.html | title=Pentagon: Despite Minsk II, More Than 400 Ukraine Troops Killed | work=Voice of America | date=2 March 2016 | accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> Deputy head of the OSCE mission in Ukraine Alexander Hug said on 25 March 2016 that the OSCE had observed "armed people with Russian insignia" fighting in Donbass from the beginning of the conflict, that they had talked to prisoners who said they were Russian soldiers, and that they had seen "tire tracks, not the vehicles themselves, but the tracks of vehicles crossing the border".<ref name="KP26MAR16">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/ukraine-politics/osce-sees-russian-soldiers-weapons-in-ukraine-for-two-years-410764.html | title=OSCE ‘sees Russian soldiers, weapons in Ukraine for two years’ | work=Kyiv Post | date=26 March 2016 | accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> ] spokeswoman ] said on 27 March 2016 that Russia was "not a party to the Minsk agreements", and that the agreements were "devoted to two conflicting sides".<ref name="TASS27MAR16">{{cite news | url=http://tass.ru/en/politics/865384 | title=Russia accepts no claims on Savchenko in context of Minsk accords - Foreign Ministry | work=TASS | date=27 March 2016 | accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref>

On 27 December 2018 Ukrainian ] ] reported that not a single provision of the Minsk deal has been 100% implemented.<ref name="10391709-almost-entire-gray">{{Cite news|url=https://www.unian.info/war/10391709-almost-entire-gray-zone-in-donbas-liberated-by-ukraine-without-minsk-deal-breach-adviser.html|title=Almost entire 'gray' zone in Donbas liberated by Ukraine without Minsk deal breach – adviser}}, ] (27 December 2018)</ref>

===Elections in the DPR and LPR===
While the ] had been scheduled for 25 October, DPR leader ] issued a decree on 2 July that ordered local DPR elections to be held on 18 October.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/poroshenko-says-local-elections-in-ukraine-will-be-held-on-oct-25-date-on-which-they-will-be-held-in-donbas-is-hard-to-predict-390837.html|title=Poroshenko says local elections in Ukraine will be held on Oct. 25, date on which they will be held in Donbas is hard to predict|newspaper=]|agency=Interfax|date=11 June 2015|accessdate=21 October 2016}}</ref> He said that this action was "in accordance with the Minsk agreements".<ref name=zak1810led>{{cite news|url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/275451.html|title=Local elections in DPR to take place on October 18 – Zakharchenko|publisher=]|date=2 July 2015|accessdate=21 October 2016}}<br>{{cite news|url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/275646.html|title=DPR, LPR attempts to hold separate elections in Donbas on Oct 18 to have destructive consequences – Poroshenko|publisher=]|date=2 July 2015|accessdate=21 October 2016}}</ref> According to Zakharchenko, this move meant that the DPR had "independently started to implement the Minsk agreements".<ref name=zak1810led/> Zakharchenko said that the elections would "take place 'on the basis of Ukraine's law on temporary self-rule status of individual districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions', in so far as they are not at variance with the constitution and laws of the DPR".<ref name=zak1810led/>

On the same day, President ] responded that if DPR elections went forward in this unilateral manner, it would be "extremely irresponsible and will have devastating consequences for the process of deescalation of tension in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions".<ref name=zak1810led/> In addition, the OSCE said that it would only send observers to elections in the conflict zone if Ukraine invited it to do so.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://pda.pravda.com.ua/news/id_7073249/|script-title=uk:ОБСЄ направить спостерігачів на вибори на Донбасі лише за згоди України|trans-title=OSCE will send observers to the elections in Donbass only with the consent of Ukraine|language=uk|publisher=]|date=3 July 2015|accessdate=21 October 2016}}</ref> As specified in Minsk II, local elections in DPR and LPR-held territories must be observed by the OSCE to be deemed legitimate.<ref name="DT12FEBY"/> LPR leader ] followed the DPR by scheduling elections in the territory that he controlled for 1 November 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://sputniknews.com/europe/201507061024257430/|title=Lugansk People's Republic Slates Local Elections for November 1|publisher=]|date=6 July 2015|accessdate=20 October 2016}}</ref>

Amidst a great reduction in violence, following an agreement to restart the implementation of Minsk II that was agreed to on 1 September, the ] held a meeting on 2 October. At the meeting, it was agreed that elections in the conflict zone would be held in accordance with Minsk II.<ref name=NFm2Oct15/> In order to do this, French President ] said that the elections would need to be postponed until 2016, as three months were required to prepare for them.<ref name=NFm2Oct15/> Russian President ] agreed to use his influence to prevent the DPR and LPR from holding early elections.<ref name=NFm2Oct15>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34457317|title=Ukraine crisis: Pro-Russian rebels 'delay disputed elections'|publisher=]|date=6 October 2015|accessdate=21 October 2016}}<br>{{cite news|url=http://www.rferl.org/a/quartet-leaders-hold-ukraine-peace-talks-october-2-paris/27282684.html|title=Hollande: Elections In Eastern Ukraine Likely To Be Delayed|publisher=]|date=2 October 2015|accessdate=21 October 2016}}<br>{{cite news|first=Leonid|last=Bershidsky|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2015-10-05/ukraine-has-no-choice-but-to-live-with-putin|title=Ukraine Is Being Told to Live With Putin|publisher=]|date=5 October 2015|accessdate=21 October 2016}}</ref> Accordingly, the DPR and LPR announced on 6 October that their planned elections had been postponed until 21 February 2016.<ref name="Reuters 6 October 2015">{{cite news|first1=Natalia |last1=Zinets |author2=Pavel Polityuk |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/10/06/uk-ukraine-crisis-election-rebels-idUKKCN0S01L220151006 |title=West, Ukraine, hail rebel decision to postpone disputed elections |agency=] |date=6 October 2015 |accessdate=21 October 2016 }}<br>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/ukraine-rebels-to-delay-elections/2015/10/06/cf4de0e2-6c26-11e5-91eb-27ad15c2b723_story.html|title=Ukraine rebels to delay elections|agency=Associated Press|via=]|date=6 October 2015|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007023633/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/ukraine-rebels-to-delay-elections/2015/10/06/cf4de0e2-6c26-11e5-91eb-27ad15c2b723_story.html|archivedate=7 October 2015|df=dmy}}</ref> ] went ahead on 25 October 2015. Following the postponement, German foreign minister ] said that if OSCE observers verified that the planned elections to be held in the separatist areas were in accordance with Ukrainian law and Minsk II, the "law on special status" for these areas would come into immediate effect.<ref name="UA10NOV">{{cite news|url=http://uatoday.tv/politics/steinmeier-law-on-donbas-special-status-should-enter-into-force-on-election-day-531171.html|title=Steinmeier: Law on Donbas special status should enter into force on election day|publisher=Ukraine Today|date=10 November 2015|accessdate=10 November 2015}}</ref>

On 18 April 2016 the planned (organised by the DPR and LPR) local elections were postponed from 20 April to 24 July 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://pda.pravda.com.ua/news/id_7106061/|script-title=uk:Захарченко відклав 'вибори'|trans-title=Zakharchenko put off the 'election'|language=uk|publisher=]|date=19 April 2016|accessdate=21 October 2016}}</ref> On 22 July 2016 these DPR and LPR elections were again postponed to 6 November 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://pda.pravda.com.ua/news/id_7115735|script-title=uk:Захарченко переніс вибори в 'ДНР' на листопад|trans-title=Zakharchenko postponed the elections in 'DPR' to November|language=uk|publisher=]|date=23 July 2016|accessdate=21 October 2016}}<br>{{cite news|url=http://pda.pravda.com.ua/news/id_7115776/|script-title=uk:Бойовики 'ЛНР' також вирішили перенести свої 'вибори'|trans-title='DPR' militants also decided to postpone their 'elections'|language=uk|publisher=]|date=24 July 2016|accessdate=21 October 2016}}</ref> On 2 October 2016 the DPR and LPR held "primaries" in which voters nominated candidates for the 6 November 2016 elections.<ref name=pD21016/> Ukraine denounced these "primaries" as illegal.<ref name=pD21016>{{cite news|first=Nataliya|last=Trach|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics-2/defying-minsk-process-russian-backed-separatists-hold-illegal-elections.html|title=Defying Minsk process, Russian-backed separatists hold illegal elections|newspaper=]|date=2 October 2016|accessdate=21 October 2016}}<br>{{cite news|url=http://tass.ru/en/world/877501|title=Donbass militia leader announces autumn primaries in Donetsk]|publisher=]|date=23 May 2016|accessdate=21 October 2016}}</ref> On 4 November 2016 both DPR and LPR postponed their local elections "until further notice"; head of the DPR Zakharchenko added that "In 2017, we will hold elections under the Minsk agreements, or we will hold them independently."<ref>, ] (4 November 2016)</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Ukrainian crisis navbox}}

]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 21:28, 1 August 2022

Redirect to:

  • From a merge: This is a redirect from a page that was merged into another page. This redirect was kept in order to preserve the edit history of this page after its content was merged into the content of the target page. Please do not remove the tag that generates this text (unless the need to recreate content on this page has been demonstrated) or delete this page.