The Minsk agreements were a series of international agreements which sought to end the · Amid rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine in early 2022

TOPICS

  •  Minsk Agreement 1
  •  Minsk Agreement 2

MINSK I

  • Ukraine and the Russian-backed separatists agreed on a 12-point ceasefire deal in the capital of Belarus in September 2014.
  • Its provisions included:
    • prisoner exchanges,
    • deliveries of humanitarian aid and
    • the withdrawal of heavy weapons
  • The agreement quickly broke down, with violations by both sides.

MINSK II

  • Representatives of Russia, Ukraine, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the leaders of two pro-Russian separatist regions signed a 13-point agreement in February 2015 in Minsk.
  • The leaders of France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine gathered there at the same time and issued a declaration of support for the deal.
  • The 13 points were, in brief:
    • An immediate and comprehensive ceasefire
    • Withdrawal of all heavy weapons by both sides
    • Monitoring and verification by the OSCE
    • To start a dialogue on interim self-government for the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, in accordance with Ukrainian law, and acknowledge their special status by a resolution of parliament.
    • A pardon and amnesty for people involved in the fighting
    • An exchange of hostages and prisoners.
    • Provision of humanitarian assistance.
    • Resumption of socio-economic ties, including pensions.
    • Restore full control of the state border by the government of Ukraine.
    • Withdrawal of all foreign armed formations, military equipment and mercenaries.
    • Constitutional reform in Ukraine including decentralization, with specific mention of Donetsk and Luhansk.
    • Elections in Donetsk and Luhansk on terms to be agreed with their representatives.
    • Intensify the work of a Trilateral Contact Group including representatives of Russia, Ukraine and the OSCE.