Summary
The main points of the ceasefire agreed upon in Minsk by leaders from Germany, France, Ukraine, and Russia are as follows:
- A total ceasefire to begin on February 15, 2015.
- A withdrawal of heavy weapons by both sides, 50 km – 140 km from the frontline depending on the weapon type.
- Day-one monitoring of the ceasefire terms by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
- A full pardon and amnesty for combatants held on both sides.
- The launching of a dialogue on self-rule in the rebel-held east.
- Restoration of social and economic interactions with war-torn areas.
- Full withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign troops from eastern Ukraine.
- The launching of a process of constitutional reform in Ukraine, to be completed by the end of 2015.
- Kiev to regain control of state borders and international border with Russia.
Outlook
German Chancellor Angela Merkel characterized the ceasefire agreement as a “glimmer of hope” upon return to Germany – an apt description given reports of intensified fighting for Debaltseve and new movements of Russian armor into the east after the accord was signed.
