A meeting of leaders of Germany, France and Ukraine sent an important signal about the commitment of Paris and Berlin to Minsk agreements, but on the outcome of negotiations will be possible to judge only on the specific actions of Kiev, as well as among them in the framework of the contact group, says a senior researcher at the Center for the Caucasus and regional security of MGIMO (University) of the Ministry of foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Nikolai Silaev.

on the first day of the week in Berlin were the conversations of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko. According to their results, Merkel said the leaders of the three countries gathered in the German capital, "to Express support for the" Minsk-2 ", and not to jeopardize this, "and stressed That the Minsk agreement" remain the Foundation of a peaceful settlement in Ukraine." For its part, Poroshenko said no alternative to the Minsk agreements and the " channel format ".


Silaev said That " it would be strange If Merkel and Hollande at the current meeting advocated change agreements ".

"First, they put their own political credibility in the contract. Secondly, There is the decision of the UN security Council resolution in support of a package of measures, he in fact became part of the UN security Council ", - he explained.

anyway, the message about the commitment to the Minsk-2 is an important signal, the expert believes." This is a very important signal That they consider necessary to fulfill the entire scope of the decisions laid down in the Minsk agreements. It is important That they convey this position to Ukraine, " he said.

according to his vision, about how well Merkel and Hollande have coped with this task, it will be possible to judge the results of the next meeting of the contact group, which is scheduled for August 26.

"We'll have to see how the situation will develop. If they turned in something to convince Poroshenko, then, This means, we can see the results at the upcoming meeting of the contact group. If not, you probably will start looking for other ways to persuade the Ukrainian side to fulfill what was agreed, " - said the expert.


While speaking about the mechanisms of such effects, Silaev said That he does not consider, because It must be done in the framework of the "Norman Quartet" and considers this summit is now not needed.

"There's a whole set of political issues and security, which are not fulfilled by the Ukrainian side. In this sense, the DPR and LPR are ready to implement the Minsk agreement, and they perform them. What will change in this situation, the Meeting in the " Normandy format "? Russia as a mediator does everything That depends on it. I think now's the time France and Germany to persuade Poroshenko to implement the Minsk agreement ", - he explained.

the expert also emphasized on the call Merkel to finish the withdrawal of heavy military equipment and its message about the fact That Kiev is ready.

"If following the meeting in Berlin will turn out to avert the danger of war that hangs over the region is already In a period of one week, This will be a great result. It is clear That it is insufficient for the settlement, but It would be very Important, " he said.

sections: Politics