Ukraine-Russia crisis: What is the Minsk agreement? | Russia-Ukraine war News | Al Jazeera aje.io/ac8cdb “French President Emmanuel Macron has pointed to the 2015 Minsk Agreement between Kyiv and Moscow as the blueprint for a breakthrough in the Ukraine crisis.
2/“In general, Moscow and Kyiv interpret the pact very differently, leading to what has been dubbed by some observers as the “Minsk conundrum”.
What is the ‘Minsk conundrum’?
Ukraine sees the 2015 agreement as an instrument to re-establish control over the rebel territories.
What is the ‘Minsk conundrum’?
Ukraine sees the 2015 agreement as an instrument to re-establish control over the rebel territories.
3/“It wants a ceasefire, control of the Russia-Ukraine border, elections in the Donbas, and a limited devolution of power to the separatists – in that order.
Russia views the deal as obliging Ukraine to grant rebel authorities in Donbas comprehensive autonomy and
Russia views the deal as obliging Ukraine to grant rebel authorities in Donbas comprehensive autonomy and
4/“representation in the central government, effectively giving Moscow the power to veto Kyiv’s foreign policy choices.
Only then would Russia return the Russia-Ukraine border to Kyiv’s control.
Why is the agreement in focus now, and how might it help resolve the crisis?
Only then would Russia return the Russia-Ukraine border to Kyiv’s control.
Why is the agreement in focus now, and how might it help resolve the crisis?
5/“Why is the agreement in focus now, and how might it help resolve the crisis?
The Minsk II deal offers a vehicle for direct talks between Ukraine and Russia and, due to France’s mediating role in the agreement, provides Macron with the opportunity to play the peacemaker on the
The Minsk II deal offers a vehicle for direct talks between Ukraine and Russia and, due to France’s mediating role in the agreement, provides Macron with the opportunity to play the peacemaker on the
6/“world stage as he gears up for re-election at home.
Moscow may see Minsk II as a way to guarantee its central security demand – that Ukraine is never allowed to join NATO. Washington and NATO have already rejected that demand.
For ex-Soviet state Ukraine, the deal could
Moscow may see Minsk II as a way to guarantee its central security demand – that Ukraine is never allowed to join NATO. Washington and NATO have already rejected that demand.
For ex-Soviet state Ukraine, the deal could
7/“present an opportunity to wrest back control of its border with Russia and end the threat of Moscow ordering another invasion, at least for now.”
[This is from 9 Feb 2022]
[This is from 9 Feb 2022]
8/If Zelensky adamantly refuses to resolve the “Minsk conundrum” the Russian bear has Ukraine in its teeth. Z should hedge against a defeat & destruction by implementing the Minsk Agreements. An “all or nothing” attitude could result in nothing.
9/It should be noted that there are parallels to the Jeju Uprising in the prelude to the Korean War. The pro-Russian separatists are facing the forces of Ukrainian nationalism somewhat similarly to how the Koreans in Jeju resisted aligning w/ Syngman Rhee’s government.
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