Events

“I am still optimistic as there have been no armed clashes in Ukraine for a few weeks. Yes, it took us a long way to go and people had time to become skeptics if the weapons kept silence for one day. However, the weapons have been silent for four weeks already. It means the Minsk format is successful,” said Christian Haerpfer. In his words, colleagues from the UK, the United States and Germany say that the Minsk agreements are of high significance, they guarantee peace in the region.

According to Christian Haerpfer, the key issue is whether the elections will be held in Donetsk and Lugansk. “Under the agreement, the elections should take place until the end of the year. If the elections take place before the new year and the Ukrainian parliament implements the special status formula, this format will work,” he said.

Christian Haerpfer stated that the situation is quieting. Ukraine does not make top headlines any longer. It means that Minsk, New York and Geneva are international platforms of real diplomacy. The President of Belarus demonstrates the openness to the dialogue for all the parties, makes personal contribution to the success of negotiations. The Minsk format remains relevant,” he added.