Last chance for peace: Poroshenko and Putin arrive in Minsk for talks

The leaders of France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine have gathered in Minsk for what may be the final chance to iron out a peace deal. The five principles on the table include an immediate cease-fire, a rapid withdrawal of heavy weapons, an effective border check between Ukraine and Russia, the respect of Ukraine’s sovereignty and a specific status for the population of east of Ukraine. Speaking exclusively to Yahoo, Ukrainian foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin said they were willing to allow Donetsk and Luhansk to become an economic free zone if Russia provided assurances it will not interfere in the process and withdraw its troops from the border.

This is about peace; it’s not about playing with people’s lives. We have had too many human losses in the recent days and weeks. What we need desperately is a truce and also a commitment by the Russians and the Russian-supported terrorists for a touchline.

Ukrainian foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin

An agreement reached in September in Minsk foresaw each side pulling back its heavy weapons 15 kilometers from the lines of engagement at the border. But battlefield positions have changed since then, and the rebels have taken control of more territory. “Let’s have local elections in the Donbas region,” Klimkin said. “But it really should be the people electing, not Russia electing their representatives.” Moscow had expressed optimism ahead of the talks, with a Russian diplomatic source saying it was 70% likely an agreement would be reached.

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