Explained: What Are Minsk Agreements And Why Are They In Discussion

Vladimir Putin's decision to recognise the independence of rebel territories in eastern Ukraine ¡ª Donetsk and Luhansk ¡ª on Monday night effectively destroyed the 2015 Minsk peace agreement.

Minsk agreements of 2014 and 2015

Following the large-scale fighting and violence that erupted when Russia-backed separatists seized swaths of territory in eastern Ukraine, representatives from Ukraine, Russia, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and Russian-backed separatist leaders Alexander Zakharchenko and Igor Plotnitsky drafted a 12-point ceasefire agreement, dubbed the Minsk I deal after the city where it was signed at.

Minsk Agreements Explained | kremlin.ru

Five months into a battle that had killed over 2,600 people, it featured conditions such as prisoner swaps, humanitarian relief delivery, and the withdrawal of heavy weapons.

The arrangement, however, swiftly fell apart due to infractions on both sides.

The signatories met again in February to sign a successor agreement, dubbed Minsk II, that had been hammered out at a summit mediated by French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel and attended by Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko at the city's Independence Palace.

The participants were obligated to comply to the following 13 points under Minsk II, which was signed on February 12, 2015:

A complete and immediate cease-fire.

Both parties agreed to withdraw all heavy weaponry.

The OSCE is in charge of monitoring and verification.

In accordance with Ukrainian legislation, begin a dialogue on interim self-government for the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and accept their special status by a parliament resolution.

Amnesty and pardon for those who took part in the fighting.

A swap of hostages and detainees.

The provision of humanitarian aid.

Resumption of social and economic ties, including retirement benefits.

The Ukrainian government must reclaim full control of the state boundary.

All foreign armed formations, military equipment, and mercenaries must be withdrawn.

Decentralisation and constitutional reform in Ukraine, with a focus on Donetsk and Luhansk.

Elections will be held in Donetsk and Luhansk on terms that have been agreed upon with their representatives.

Intensify the activities of a Trilateral Contact Group that includes Russia, Ukraine, and the OSCE.

Why hasn't the 2015 deal succeeded in putting a stop to the war in eastern Ukraine?

The Minsk II agreement outlined military and political actions that have yet to be implemented. Russia's claim that it is not a party to the conflict and hence is not bound by its terms has been a major roadblock.

Agency

In general, Moscow and Kyiv interpret the accord differently, resulting in the "Minsk conundrum," as some commentators refer to it.

What is the 'Minsk Conundrum'?

The 2015 deal is viewed by Ukraine as a tool for regaining control over rebel-held territory. It demands a truce, control of the Russia-Ukraine border, Donbas elections, and a limited devolution of authority to rebels, in that sequence.

Russia sees the agreement as compelling Ukraine to offer rebels in Donbas full autonomy and representation in the central government, thereby granting Moscow veto power over Kyiv's foreign policy decisions. Only then would Russia relinquish control of the Russia-Ukraine border to Kyiv.

Duncan Allan, a former British diplomat and associate fellow of Chatham House's Russia and Eurasia Program, labels this irreconcilable disparity the "Minsk conundrum" in a SkyNews report.

Why has the Minsk Accord come to light now?

The Minsk II agreement provides a vehicle for direct discussions between Ukraine and Russia, as well as an opportunity for Macron to play peacemaker on the international scene as he prepares for re-election at home, thanks to France's mediating role in the pact. Moscow may consider Minsk II as a tool to ensure that Ukraine is never allowed to join NATO, which is one of Moscow's main security demands. That demand has already been rejected by Washington and NATO.

Reuters

The agreement could provide an opportunity for Ukraine, an ex-Soviet state, to reclaim control of its border with Russia and put an end to the threat of another invasion from Moscow, at least for the time being. Kyiv has stated that Russia would never have a de facto veto over Ukrainian foreign policy decisions, and many Ukrainians consider Minsk II's implementation as a capitulation to Russian aggression. However, there may be potential for compromise because all sides have expressed an interest in talking.

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