Implementation of the new Minsk agreements will depend on Russia’s attitude towards them
Some observers noted that the Declaration adopted in Minsk on 12 February on behalf of the “Normandy four” had not been signed by any of the leaders of these states. Does it mean that Vladimir Putin who admits that he can influence the separatists did not want to take responsibility for the implementation of the declared steps? — asks the news...
Poland to Pay Out in Rendition Case, Ukraine Seeks UN Peacekeepers
Plus, Montenegro approves a broad surveillance law and Romania’s universities start to empty out. …read more Source: Transitions Online...
‘Hybrid’ truce in the Donbas
2015-02-18Witold RodkiewiczRafał SadowskiAndrzej WilkThe formal coming into force of a ceasefire, in accordance with the Minsk agreements, has not stopped the fighting in the east of Ukraine. …read more Source: Centre for Eastern...
OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to hold news briefing in Kyiv today
Michael Bociurkiw, the Spokesperson of the SMM, will talk about the recent Mission’s activities and the general security situation throughout Ukraine. Journalists are invited to attend the news briefing today, 19 February, at 13:00 (Kyiv time), at the Ukrainian Crisis Media Centre (4 Instytuts’ka Street, Hotel “Ukrayina», 3rd...
Europe and the End of Ukraine’s Territorial Integrity
Despite much rhetoric to the contrary, EU leaders have torn up the post–Cold War rules of territorial integrity by failing to defend Ukraine’s borders. …read more Source: Carnegie Endowment for International...
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office calls for full implementation of the Minsk Package of Measures
BELGRADE, 18 February 2015 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Ivica Dačić, welcomed the adoption of the UNSCR 2202 and reiterated the need for full and unconditional compliance by all signatories of the Minsk Document with the comprehensive ceasefire agreed in Minsk on 12...
Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 18:00 (Kyiv time), 17 February
This report is for media and the general public. The SMM continued monitoring the implementation of the “Package of measures for the Implementation of the Minsk agreements”. The SMM, based on its monitoring – which was restricted due to security considerations – noted that there had been heavy fighting in and around the Debaltseve-Horlivka area....
OSCE Chairperson Dačić pledges support for reforms as he visits Mission to Skopje
SKOPJE, 18 February 2015 – OSCE Chairperson in Office and Serbia’s Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić today pledged support in building democracy and promoting reforms as he visited the OSCE Mission to Skopje, accompanied by High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors. Stressing OSCE commitments to the country and its people,...
The Next European Flashpoints
The most pressing task for the West is to help Ukraine defend itself and survive economic catastrophe. But the West also needs a broader strategy to discourage future Russian coercion of neighbors, help them protect themselves, and counter President Vladimir Putin’s false narrative about Western intentions and lack of political will....
Spot report by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), 18 February 2015: SMM facilitates dialogue on ceasefire and access to Debaltseve
This report is provided for the media and general public On 17 February, the SMM went to the headquarters of the JCCC, temporarily relocated to Soledar (77km north of Donetsk, government-controlled). The SMM was present at four video conference sessions with the Russian General formerly representing the Russian Federation at the JCCC, the Russian...
